Flexible furlough scheme hailed a success in Scotland

The scheme gives businesses the flexibility to bring employees back on a part-time basis while the government still pays 80 per cent of wages for the hours not worked. So far, 78,400 workers have returned to offices, shops, restaurants and factories part time.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “These figures show the success of our furlough scheme – making sure people’s jobs are there for them to return to.

“That so many businesses have been able to get back to trading, and bring their staff back to the workplace is a testament to the impact the scheme has had.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack added: “These figures show that people in Scotland are coming off full-time furlough and getting back into work.

“Our jobs schemes have supported people while they were unable to work, kept them connected to their employer, and are now helping them get back to work – flexibly where that is appropriate.

“The UK Government is currently supporting nearly half a million jobs in Scotland, down from a high of more than 930,000 at the end of July. That is really good news, as it means that people are getting back to work.”

When lockdown began almost two million people across the UK were furloughed but more than half of these are now working again. Through its Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the government has supported almost ten million jobs.

Other initiatives such as the £9 billion Jon Retention Bonus and the £2 billion Kickstart scheme will will continue to support furloughed workers and affected businesses.