The COVID Diaries – 37 4th May
The BBC reported today that the Government is now paying the wages for nearly a quarter of UK jobs under the programme aimed at helping people put on leave due to the lock-down.
About 2.5 million people registered last week for the scheme, bringing the total claims to 6.3 million – 23% of the employed workforce.
The job retention scheme funds 80% of workers’ wages when they are furloughed, up to £2,500 a month.
Separately, the Department of Work and Pensions reported there have been another 1.8 million new Universal Credit claims.
The spike in the numbers of people seeking assistance comes as the world braces for the most severe economic crisis since the 1930s. Forecasts suggest the UK economy will contract 6.5% or more this year.