Which sectors will be most impacted by the end of furlough? - Ask TN

September 28, 2021
Industry News

The end of furlough is right around the corner.

We’ve been looking at how various industries have been using the scheme and how the end of furlough will impact them.

Lockdowns and restrictions had a huge impact on the hospitality sector, so it’s no surprise that accommodation and food services was high on the list. 

However the strong rebound we’ve seen in recent months makes the fact that there was still over a quarter of million people furloughed more unexpected.


Top 5 sectors with the most people on furlough
As of 31 July 2021,
HMRC Data

  • 259,100 Accommodation and food services
  • 224,500 Wholesale and retail; repair of motor vehicles
  • 161,500 Administrative and support services
  • 155,900 Manufacturing
  • 139,100 Professional, scientific and technical


These industries would be more reliant on government support, since lockdowns and restrictions have had a larger impact on their trading.

It’s in these areas where more candidates could be released into the market after 30th September.


Top 5 sectors with the fewest people on furlough
As of 31 July 2021,
HMRC Data

  • 800 Mining and quarrying
  • 800 Energy production and supply
  • 1,200 Households
  • 1,900 Public administration and defence; social security
  • 4,700 Water supply, sewerage and waste


Want to see the full data? You can review HMRC’s full Coroanvirus Job Retention Scheme statistics here.


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