Reform Responds to November ONS Labour Market Statistics

10 Nov 2020 01:35 PM

Blog posted by: Charlotte Pickles, 10 November 2020.

Earlier furlough extension could have tempered jobs fallout, but vaccine will give employers confidence, says think tank.

Responding to the ONS’ November Labour Market update, showing record redundancies, Charlotte Pickles, Director, Reform think tank, and former Expert Adviser in the Department for Work & Pensions, said:

“Today’s statistics sadly confirm that the jobs fallout from the pandemic will have a long and devastating impact. Particularly concerning is the record rise in redundancies – surpassing the peak during the financial crash.

“Had the Government made an earlier decision to extend furlough, rather than replace it with the now scrapped Job Support Scheme, some of this hardship may have been averted.

“To kickstart hiring businesses need greater certainty. The combination of furlough through to March and yesterday’s vaccine news will hopefully give business the confidence to retain staff through the winter.”

For more information or to arrange an interview with Charlotte please contact William Mills, Press and Communications Manager, on 07596 949837 or william.mills@reform.uk