A TENTH of eligible jobs in Herefordshire were furloughed at the end of December, new figures show.

The Resolution Foundation think-tank say furloughing has helped protect incomes during the coronavirus pandemic, but warned its expected end in just three months could trigger a wave of job losses across the UK.

Figures from HM Revenue and Customs show around 8,300 jobs were furloughed in Herefordshire as of December 31 – 10% of all that were eligible.

This was the same number at the end of November and was the fourth highest figure of the last six months of 2020.

Women in Herefordshire were more likely to be furloughed than men, with a take-up rate of 11%, compared to 9%.

Jobs at firms which are unable to operate or have no work for their employees because of coronavirus are eligible for furlough pay from the Government – with workers currently getting 80% of their wages, up to £2,500 per month.

Across the UK, 3.8 million jobs were furloughed as of December 31, down slightly from 3.9 million a month before, but well above the 2.4 million of October 31.

As is the case across the UK, the industry with the most jobs furloughed in the West Midlands is hospitality, with 74,100 at the end of December – 25% of all furloughed employments in the region.

Separate figures from HMRC show around 5,900 claims had been made in Herefordshire for the third Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant by the end of December – 45% of eligible workers.

The SEISS allows the self-employed to claim a grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits, up to £7,500.