CBI comments on latest furlough scheme statistics

Annie Gascoyne, Director of Economic Policy, said:

“The Job Retention Scheme has kept millions of people in jobs since the crisis started. “As the economy re-opened and with the scheme coming to an end soon, it’s no surprise that fewer people were still being furloughed.

“But that does not take away the absolutely critical need for a successor to replace it.

“Businesses are still struggling with a lack of cash and low demand, perhaps even more so in areas where there are greater local restrictions.

“We need a new scheme that is less generous, but most importantly still offers firms enough support to reach the other side and keep more people in work.

“Saving jobs today is easier than picking up the pieces tomorrow.”