Over 100,000 furloughed in Devon
One-third of Devon’s workforce was furloughed at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, equating to more than 100,000 people.
105,400 people in Devon were furloughed – 32 per cent of its workforce.
These figures were delivered by Simon Chant, Public Health Specialist, as part of a presentation about the response and the recovery from the pandemic to the Devon County Council Health and Wellbeing Board on the 16 July.
Despite having the second-lowest rate of coronavirus of any English county, Devon’s increase in claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) has been considerably higher than elsewhere, at 180 per cent compared to the national average of 117 per cent.
Devon’s increase in claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance has been considerably higher than elsewhere, at 180 per cent compared to the national average of 117 per cent.
Young and lowest earners have been impacted the most by this rise. Likewise, earnings have fallen in particular for those on the lowest incomes and single parents. This presents distinct concerns as these groups are among the least able to absorb the reductions in income.
According to Chant, increases in claimants of unemployment benefits have been seen everywhere, but above all in small towns dependent on tourism. Tourism is the main source of income for Devon, but the hospitality and leisure sector has been the worst-affected by the pandemic.
Editor: Ella Shadwell
