Employers claiming furlough up by more than 100,000 in January

Figures underline the impact of Covid restrictions imposed that month in UK

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The number of employers claiming furlough support jumped by more than 100,000 in January as the third UK lockdown took hold.

According to official data published by the Treasury, 858,269 companies and traders drew on the coronavirus job retention scheme for their January payroll, compared with 752,468 in December.