DOZENS more workers in Darlington came off furlough in July – the first month employers had to make a contribution to salaries under the scheme, figures reveal.

The latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs show 2,100 jobs held by workers in Darlington were furloughed as of July 31 – four per cent of all that were eligible.

That was 200 fewer than the 2,300 furloughed at the end of June.

It was also down by two-thirds compared to the 6,600 on the scheme during the 2021 peak in January.

Read more: 'Thousands face cliff edge as furlough support ends'

An age breakdown for those on furlough across local authority areas has also been published for the first time.

In Darlington, people aged between 45 and 49 made up the highest proportion of those on furlough with 260 (12 per cent) on the scheme.

Meanwhile, people aged 65 and over accounted for the smallest proportion – 120 (6 per cent).

July was the first month that employers had to pay 10 per cent of the salaries of their furloughed workers, giving them an incentive to bring staff back, or end their employment. The scheme is due to finish at the end of this month.

In Darlington, the number of furloughed hospitality employees fell by 100 and was followed by the wholesale and retail sector which saw 60 people come off the scheme.

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