Figures show huge numbers on furlough in Falkirk district

More than 22,000 people in Falkirk district have been put on furlough during the coronavirus lockdown.

The figure was revealed by HMRC as it assessed the impact of the pandemic across the region.

It underlines the scale of the financial support for people whose jobs effectively stopped in lockdown.

Since the launch of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), the UK Government has supported the wages of X jobs in Falkirk district it confirmed.

Businesses furloughed 22,300 jobs in the Falkirk Council area up to the end of June. Across Scotland as a whole, the number of people on furlough is 736,500.

The scheme is set to run until until the end of October to continue the support for jobs and businesses as people return to work. It has paid 80 per cent of the wages of people placed on furlough, up to £2500 per month.

SEISS was rolled out ahead of schedule in May and has financially supported 4200 self-employed individuals in the district. Locally the scheme has paid grants worth a total of £12.2 million up to June 30.

Across Scotland there have been 155,000 claims costing £449 million.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “The UK Government is doing everything we can to protect jobs and businesses in Scotland and across the UK during the crisis.

“Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported the livelihoods of millions and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “The UK Government is doing whatever it takes to get Scotland, and the whole of the UK, through the coronavirus pandemic and ensure our economy can get back on track. This unprecedented package of UK Government support is protecting Scottish jobs and businesses, and will ensure that Scotland’s economy can recover for the future.”

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