The latest furlough statistics are out

On 28 January 2021, the Government published statistics on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ("CJRS"). The key points from this release are listed below and cover the period up until 31 December 2020 and claims submitted to HMRC by 14 January 2021 (please note, the figures for December 2020 are provisional and are subject to revision as further claims for the month are received):

• More jobs were furloughed and supported by the job retention scheme in November and December than October. Compared with 31 October, furloughing of staff was higher at 31 December in all sectors, except mining and quarrying.

• Furloughing of staff in the wholesale and retail sector peaked on 24 April at 1.9 million jobs furloughed. This dropped to 356,400 jobs furloughed at 31 October but then increased to 739,400 at 30 November. Provisional figures show that by the end of December this had decreased to 689,500 jobs furloughed.

• At 31 October, 737,000 jobs were furloughed by large employers with 250 or more employees. This increased to 1.22 million jobs furloughed at 30 November. Provisional estimates show that the number of jobs furloughed decreased to 1.12 million at 31 December.

• Across the UK, where it was possible to link the data, 1.92 million women were furloughed at 30 November compared with 1.79 million men. Provisional estimates show the number of women furloughed decreased to 1.88 million at 31 December while the number of men increased to 1.85 million.

• 37% of employers had staff furloughed at 30 November under the CJRS and 13% of jobs were furloughed. Provisional estimates show 36% of employers had staff furloughed at 31 December under CJRS and 13% of jobs were furloughed.

• Compared with the previous month, the number of regions where more women than men were furloughed had dropped at 31 December, with the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, London and the West Midlands having more men than women furloughed.

• There was broad consistency in furlough rates across the nations and regions of the UK at the end of November. London had the highest take-up rate of 15% against the UK average of 13%.

• At 30 November, the 25 to 34 age band continued to have the highest number of claimants for both females and males, 429,300 and 430,300 respectively. These figures dropped by 421,100 and 419,000 respectively at 31 December.

• The under 18 age band had the highest take up rate for both females and males, 41% and 30% respectively at 31 November.

• At 30 November, 1.37 million jobs were on partial furlough, 35% of the total jobs furloughed. This increased to 1.45 million jobs furloughed at 31 December, 38% of the total jobs furloughed.

• Across all countries and regions, at both 30 November and 31 December, the accommodation and food services sector had the highest number of jobs furloughed. This was followed by the wholesale and retail sector.