Commenting on the ONS labour market figures for September 2020, Doncaster Chamber Chief Operating Officer Andy Hibbitt said:
“The data shows a rise in the number of job vacancies, however this is more likely to be a temporary rise as the economy reopened, as opposed to an increase in demand for labour. We are also seeing a decline in employees on payroll and a rise in claimant counts, suggesting that the full impact of Coronavirus is yet to come.
“Many Doncaster firms are still facing cash flow problems, rising costs and an economic outlook that looks far from certain. It is highly likely that unemployment will increase over coming months as government support winds down.
“Whilst the government’s Kickstart scheme does provide an opportunity for businesses to take on placements, stimulate business growth and progress placements into apprenticeships and permanent employment, it is crucial that businesses are supported over the coming months to keep staff on. Government should strongly consider a significant cut in employer National Insurance Contributions to run alongside the Kickstart scheme.”
