Isle Of Wight Furlough Figures Revealed - Islanders Warned Of "Significant Unemployment"

Wednesday, 23 September 2020 13:28

By Oliver Dyer @olidyer

One in three eligible Islanders are signed up to the Government's job retention scheme (CJRS) it's been revealed, as calls to extend it grow.

The Isle of Wight has the highest take-up rate in the South East, with 35% of eligible employments here furloughed. The scheme currently sees the Government pay up to 80% of staff wages, although it is set to end on October 31.

Isle of Wight Council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart, has warned the Island "could suffer from very significant unemployment" in the coming months.

Figures from last month (August) show 18,400 Islanders are furloughed - out of a possible 52,000 who are eligible.

The news comes as the Government tightens restrictions following, what it calls, a "surge" in coronavirus cases.

New rules, announced yesterday (Tuesday), mean pubs, bars and restaurants will have to shut by 10pm. Office workers have also been told to work from home where possible.

This has prompted calls for Chancellor Rishi Sunak to give further support to employees and employers to avoid job losses.

Cllr Stewart says "it's going to very hard" for the Island and its economy. Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, he said:

"To be honest, I am expecting a rise and we're already seeing it through our benefits system and other indicators.

"People know that nationally we've been identified as one of the two most deprived areas in the country. Us and Torbay.

"And so all the indicators are that we could suffer from very significant unemployment which is why I'm keen at any real opportunity that comes up to provide opportunities for the Spring particularly, we can take on board.

"I know there's a lot of work going on to provide apprenticeships, and I know there's a lot of work to keep and get people back into work but it's going to very hard."

Reports suggest Mr Sunak is looking at a new scheme to support workers.

In Germany, employees are kept on shorter hours - and then have their wages made up by the Government.

You can read more on Boris Johnson's announcement from yesterday here.

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Isle Of Wight Furlough Figures Revealed - Islanders Warned Of "Significant Unemployment"

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