THOUSANDS more workers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole came off furlough in July – the first month employers had to make a contribution to salaries under the scheme, figures reveal.

But with 1.6 million UK workers still on furlough at the end of July, think tank the Resolution Foundation expects "a significant number" to lose their jobs when the Government programme ends this month.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the latest figure – a 340,000 reduction from June 30 and the lowest since the start of the pandemic – was a sign of the country getting back to business.

The latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs show 9,000 jobs held by workers living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were furloughed as of July 31 – five per cent of all that were eligible.

That was 2,600 fewer than the 11,600 furloughed at the end of June.

It was also down by nearly three-quarters compared to the 31,800 on the scheme during the 2021 peak in January.

Bournemouth Echo:

An age breakdown for those on furlough across local authority areas has also been published for the first time.

In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, people aged between 40 and 44 made up the highest proportion of those on furlough with 1,090 (12 per cent) on the scheme.

Meanwhile, people aged 65 and over accounted for the smallest proportion – 600 (seven per cent).

Following the reopening of indoor hospitality in May, the accommodation and food services sector continued to see the highest numbers of UK workers coming off furlough in July.

This was also the case in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with the number of furloughed hospitality employees falling by 710.

Bournemouth Echo: The furlough scheme will be open for applications on 20 April (Photo: Shutterstock)

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “We are aware from both reported and anecdotal data that furloughed job numbers are beginning to fall. We will continue working with partners to monitor the situation including the Citizens Advice Bureau, DWP and Community Action Network, and to provide employment opportunities and new skills for our residents.

“For example, we have provided Additional Restrictions Funding (ARG) funding to BCHA to deliver the At Your Service programme which offers unemployed individuals the chance to retrain, upskill and gain live, practical experience for careers within the hospitality and leisure sector.”

Deputy leader of the council Philip Broadhead added: “It is great to see more and more people being able to return to work and we will continue doing everything we can to support those who still need any assistance.”