COVID-19: number of furloughed workers continued to decline over summer

Updated official statistics on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), based on data collected up to 31 August 2020, show that the number of employees still furloughed and flexibly furloughed fell to an estimated 3.3 million from the peak of 8.9 million in May 2020.

On 12 November 2020, the government published its updated official statistics on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), based on preliminary data collected up until 31 August 2020. Numbers have been falling since the peak in May 2020 of 8.9 million furloughed employees to an estimated 3.3 million as at 31 August 2020 (this figure is expected to increase to approximately 3.7 million, once all returns are received).

The statistics reveal that the retail and wholesale sector had the largest claimed value of furloughed staff amounting to £7.4 billion at the end of August. The accommodation and food services and manufacturing sectors had the next highest figures of £6.2 million and £4.8 billion claimed respectively. Similarly to the picture in July, in most areas of the UK, more women than men were furloughed except in the West Midlands.

Read more: HM Revenue and Customs: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: October 2020 (12 November 2020)

Image Source: BBC News