The number of people on payrolls in the UK has dipped dramatically during lockdown, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
The data shows that 649,000 members of staff left their roles between March and June – a period when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height in Britain.
Estimates also suggested that 1.9 per cent less people appeared on payrolls in June 2020 compared to this time last year.
The number of hours worked also dropped at the fastest pace on record.
New analysis shows that the fall in payroll employees between May and June 2020 was mainly due to fewer people moving into payrolled employment These are experimental monthly estimates of paid employees from @HMRCgovuk PAYE Real Time Information data https://t.co/2WECfEiWIM
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) July 16, 2020
Commenting on the results, Deputy National Statistician for Economic Statistics, Jonathan Athow, stated: “As the pandemic took hold, the labour market weakened markedly, but that rate of decline slowed into June, though this is before recent reports of job losses.
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“The Labour Force Survey is showing only a small fall in employment, but shows a large number of people who report working no hours and getting no pay.
“Both tax and survey data also show the number of new starters has fallen sharply.”
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Mr. Athow continued: “There are now far more out-of-work people who are not looking for a job than before the pandemic.
“Pay is now falling on most measures, with many furloughed workers not having their wages topped up by their employers.”
76.4% of people aged 16 to 64 were in paid work in March to May 2020. The unemployment rate was 3.9% , and the 16-64 economic inactivity rate (those who were neither working nor looking for work) was 20.4% https://t.co/X0gj4iKmeApic.twitter.com/1AXvNjAxzF
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) July 16, 2020
There are concerns the UK economy will be hit hardest when the government furlough scheme ends in autumn.
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9.4 million are currently still getting salary support from Rishi Sunak’s job retention plan.
Economists are predicting that unemployment will continue to rise sharply – perhaps even hitting 4 million by the end of 2020.
According to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), over 30 per cent of businesses are putting strategies in place to trim staff numbers during the next three months.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
16th July 2020 
