Up to 31st May 2020, 12,500 jobs had been furloughed through the Government’s Job Retention Scheme in the Lichfield constituency, equivalent to around 22% of the population aged 16-64.

This compares with 21% who have been furloughed throughout the UK.

A further 3,200 claims were made to the Self Employment Income Support scheme, equivalent to 72% of the potentially eligible population.  This compares with a national take up rate of 70%.

“These figures include those who had their claim processed by the Department for Work and Pensions by the middle of May, almost two months after the Government’s instruction to stay at home” says Michael Fabricant.

“This shows that both employed and self-employed workers in the Lichfield constituency – which includes Burntwood and reaches north of Abbots Bromley – are taking full advantage of the Government’s support schemes.  This is helpful in keeping the economy going during this unprecedented pandemic.

“Those who are not on Covid-19 support schemes in the Lichfield constituency and are unemployed and claiming benefits represent 4.9% of the working population locally which compares extremely well with the national average of 6.4%.

“Sadly, I fear that we will only see a return to the normal rates of high employment in our area when the pandemic has ended probably as a result of mass vaccination which will be many months yet” adds Michael.