In response to today’s ONS release of Labour Market Statistics, Anoushka Kenley, Pro Bono Economics’ Research and Policy Director said:

“Much of the economy is holding its breath for the end of lockdown, with many previous indicators of improvement slowing down. The big unknown is how many of the 4.7 million people currently furloughed have jobs to return to at the end of the lockdown roadmap.

“With the figures suggesting that 698,000 people have now been out of work for six months or more, the consequences of long-term unemployment for people’s finances and mental health are starting to make themselves known. We estimate that the number of households in problem debt has increased by 35% as a result of the crisis, while mental health charities report record high demand for support.”

---

Contact PBE's press office here.