THOUSANDS fewer workers across mid Essex were on Furlough in March, as the country began recovering from the second wave of Covid.

Figures from HM Revenue and Customs show that around 10,400 jobs held by people living in Braintree were furloughed in March.

That was 1,300 fewer than the 11,700 on furlough at the end of February, and lower than 12,000 in January.

The statistics reveal the situation before pubs and non-essential shops reopened.

Of those on furlough, around 1,740 jobs were in the hospitality sector, around 17 per cent of all jobs.

That was the second-largest proportion of all sectors, behind wholesale and retail and motor vehicle repair services around 21 per cent.

Figures also show that women in Braintree were more likely to be furlough than men, with a take-up rate of 17 per cent, compared to 14.

By the end of March, roughly 29,100 jobs had been supported by the scheme at any point since its inception, the figures show.

A similar pattern occurred in Maldon as 4,000 jobs held by workers living in the town were on furlough in March, 500 fewer than the 4,5000 on furlough at the end of February.

Of these around 760 jobs were in the hospitality sector, equating to 19 per cent of all jobs, the largest proportion of all sectors, followed by wholesale and retail, and motor vehicle repair services at 18 per cent.

Figures show roughly 11,100 jobs had been supported by the scheme, figures show.

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

The scheme has been extended until the end of September – beyond the planned reopening of all areas of the economy on June 21 – and employers will have to pay a higher contribution from July.

Across the UK, 4.2 million jobs were furloughed as of March 31, down from 4.7 million a month before.