Thousands furloughed and more on benefits as virus infects economy in Nottinghamshire

600,000 people lost their jobs in a few months.

The figures also revealed that the number of people across the area claiming unemployment benefits shot up by 23,825 to 116,790 between April and May.

More than 600,000 jobs were lost as a result of the coronavirus crisis across the UK during the same period.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The national figures make for more grim reading and provide further evidence of how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the economy.

“We’d expect the regional figures to follow suit once they are published.

“The large number of workers furloughed during this period is likely to mask the true extent of the impact of lockdown, as the number of jobs at risk due to economic inactivity will be much greater than the figures show.

“While it’s good to see that certain business sectors, including retail, have been allowed to reopen now, the restart of the economy, where it is safe to do so, must quicken in pace.

“Proactive steps must be taken to support businesses in transitioning furloughed staff back into the workplace as quickly as possible. And as some businesses – including those in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors – may remain closed for some time, more flexible and open-ended government support will be required to help them weather the economic storm.”