30 Jul 2021
Ahead of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) being wound down over the summer, data published by HMRC has revealed that almost two million workers remain on furlough.
The number of employees on the CJRS fell by 590,000 during June, the data showed. The total number of furloughed workers stood at 1.9 million in June.
The data also revealed that younger workers have been leaving furlough most quickly, whilst one in ten workers aged 65 or over were on furlough.
Commenting on the figures, Charlie McCurdy, Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: 'The number of furloughed employees has fallen below two million for the first time as the economy continues to re-open. But that is higher than many expected, and a cause for concern as the scheme is wound down.
'With employer contributions to furloughed staff doubling from this Sunday, and the scheme ending completely in just two months' time, it's vital that as many furloughed staff as possible return to work soon in order to limit the rise in unemployment this Autumn.'