Full impact of furlough on Fife jobs revealed in new research
The Resolution Foundation think-tank says the move has helped to protect incomes during the coronavirus pandemic -but warned its expected end in just three months could trigger a wave of job losses.
Figures from HM Revenue and Customs show around 7600 jobs were furloughed in Fife as of December 31 – 10% of all that were eligible.
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Hide AdThis was an increase on 5300 at the end of November and was the third highest figure of the last six months of 2020.
Women and men in Fife were just as likely to be furloughed, with take-up rates of 10% for both.
Jobs at firms which are unable to operate or have no work for their employees because of coronavirus are eligible for furlough pay from the Government – with workers currently getting 80% of their wages, up to £2,500 per month.
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Hide AdAcross the UK, 3.8 million jobs were furloughed as of December 31, down slightly from 3.9 million a month before, but well above the 2.4 million of October 31.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak's scheme is set to end on April 30.
Separate figures from HMRC also showed that around 7000 claims had been made in Fife for the third Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant by the end of December – 53% of eligible workers.
The SEISS allows the self-employed to claim a grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits, up to £7,500.