HUNDREDS more workers in Maldon came off furlough in July – the first month employers had to make a contribution to salaries under the scheme.

Latest figures show 1,600 jobs held by workers living in Maldon were furloughed as of July 31 – six per cent of all that were eligible.

The latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs show 1,600 jobs held by workers living in Maldon were furloughed as of July 31.

That was 300 fewer than the 1,900 furloughed at the end of June.

It was also down by nearly two thirds compared to the 4,600 on the scheme during the 2021 peak in January.

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

In Maldon, people aged between 50-54 made up the highest proportion of those on furlough with 240 (15 per cent) on the scheme.

People aged between 25–29 and 30-34 accounted for the smallest proportion – each with 120 (eight per cent).

July was the first month that employers had to pay 10 per cent of the salaries of furloughed workers, giving them an incentive to bring staff back or end their employment.

Employer contributions rose to 20 per cent in August and September, and the scheme is due to finish at the end of this month.

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