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100,000 Scots expected to lose jobs in the coming months

By Nagasunder in Employment News, posted July 6, 2021

Scotland's furloughed jobs fell from 275,700 in April to 173,100 at the end of May. The numbers came as the coronavirus support scheme begins to be phased out.

More than 2.4 million people moved off furlough as businesses reopened between the end of February and May across the UK. On the verge of the pandemic in May 2020, 9 million people were temporarily suspended in the UK.

There are currently 83,300 fully and 89,900 partially furloughed jobs in Scotland. The UK Government said the decline shows the scheme is working as planned.

“Our Plan for Jobs has supported people’s jobs and livelihoods throughout the pandemic, and it’s fantastic to see so many people coming off furlough and into their workplaces with our restaurants, pubs, and shops reopened", said Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

The Chancellor added, “These figures show what we always hoped would happen – that the scheme is naturally winding down as the economy reopens, but continuing to support those businesses and employees that need our help.”

A poll for Scotland’s national advice service, Advice Direct Scotland, found 35% of Scottish workers are apprehensive about the future of their job. The Survation study found concerns are extremely high in the northeast, with 42% saying they are “quite worried” or “apprehensive”.

“These findings highlight the concerns faced by many Scots about their job. It’s particularly alarming to see such high figures among women, the young and people in Scotland," said Andrew Bartlett, CEO, Advice Direct.

He continued that "The Covid pandemic caused massive economic turmoil, but many jobs have been protected due to the furlough scheme or grants. With the end of those schemes in sight, many workers will likely be increasingly worried.”.

Source: The National