Furlough figures hit lowest point since scheme began

Fallen from 20% in January 2020 to 3.7% in July as businesses reopen

clock • 1 min read

The number of people on full or partial furlough has fallen to less than 4%, the lowest proportion of businesses’ workforce since the furlough scheme began.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 3.7% of the nation's workforces were on furlough in July. This was down from 20% in January.   Most of those on were only furloughed for part of the time, with only 42% being fully furloughed.  However, one in 50 businesses have said they expect to make redundancies within the next three months.  The top reasons driving these decisions were a need to reduce staff costs, no further requirement for certain job roles, and the phasing out of the furlough scheme.  "Businesses are creeping closer to safer terri...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Employee Benefits

Employer mental health concerns highest for Baby Boomers

Employer mental health concerns highest for Baby Boomers

Everywhen research findings

Jaskeet Briah
clock 17 March 2026 • 2 min read
Broadstone appoints senior consultant for employee benefits

Broadstone appoints senior consultant for employee benefits

Supporting employee health and financial wellbeing

Jaskeet Briah
clock 16 March 2026 • 1 min read
EAPA publishes results of Health Assured investigation

EAPA publishes results of Health Assured investigation

Aspects of actions not meeting ethical standards

Cameron Roberts
clock 13 March 2026 • 2 min read