Response to latest furlough figures, September 2021

Responding to the latest furlough figures published today, Nick Bowes, Chief Executive, Centre for London said:

“As has consistently been the case throughout this year, London’s workforce is disproportionately furloughed compared to all other regions in England. It is worrying that hospitality and construction continued to be the sectors reporting the highest levels of staff on furlough in London. This raises questions of how central London’s economy can bounce back as people begin to return to their offices.

“And although the overall numbers are down in the capital – we are yet to see how this might translate into redundancies as opposed to people returning to work.

“When the scheme ends later in September, the government must ensure that London’s recovery is not compromised by a surge in unemployment. They must act now to ensure that the capital’s workforce is supported into employment, including with sector-specific targeted support where required.”