The latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs show that 5,000 jobs held by workers living in South Tyneside were furloughed in May – 2,100 fewer than the 7,100 at the end of April.
The reduction coincided with an easing of restrictions which led to the reopening of indoor entertainment and hospitality.
The figures show that furloughed jobs in the retail sector dropped by 470, to 400. In the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors 140 fewer jobs were supported by the scheme – but 300 were still furloughed – and the number of hospitality jobs furloughed fell by 660, to 1,040.
But the scheme began to wind down on July 1 – with employers now having to pay 10% of the salary for furloughed staff, rising to 20% in August and September, when the support is due to end.
Most Popular
-
1
South Shields dad furious after South Tyneside Homes removes turf and trellises over 'fire hazard' concerns
-
2
See inside this incredible four-bed house complete with sea views on sale in Whitburn
-
3
12 South Tyneside beer gardens to visit for a pint as borough celebrates International Beer Day
-
4
This is when you must spend your old £20 and £50 notes as last day approaches
-
5
Use these six quick ways to get your garden looking good in a heatwave
Nationally, the number furloughed jobs fell by 1.2 million to 2.4 million.
The reduction in Government support means firms are now required to pay 10% of furloughed staff salaries - an extra £322 this month to keep an employee earning £20,000 a year on the books.
That could be too much for some businesses, say politicians and business groups.
Labour's shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, said: "The Government must make sure economic measures go hand in hand with public health measures and that businesses and high streets are not left out in the cold.”
British Chambers of Commerce director general Shevaun Haviland said: “The taper of Government payments into the furlough scheme should be immediately deferred until we take the final step in the road map, and further grant support should be extended to the worst affected businesses.”
The Government has spent £66bn on the furlough scheme since it started in March last year.
A spokesperson said: "We deliberately went long with our support to provide certainty to people and businesses over the summer, and that support, which is a substantial amount of funding, is continuing."