HUNDREDS fewer workers in Maldon were on furlough in April, as coronavirus restrictions started easing across the UK.

Many pub, restaurant and shop workers returned to their roles that month as outdoor hospitality and non-essential retail opened for the first time since December.

HM Revenue and Customs figures show that 3,200 jobs held by workers living in Maldon were furloughed in April.

That was 800 fewer than the 4,000 furloughed at the end of March.

The figures also show that in April in Maldon:

Furloughed jobs in the retail sector dropped by 190, to 550

In the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors, 90 fewer jobs were supported by the scheme, however 190 were still furloughed in April

The number of hospitality jobs furloughed fell by 120, to 650

Through the scheme, the Government pays 80 per cent of a worker’s wages, up to £2,500 per month, if they haven’t been able to work due to the impact of the pandemic.

However, employers will pay a larger contribution from July.

Across the UK, the total number of jobs furloughed fell by 900,000 during April to 3.4 million at the end of the month, the figures show.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “We’ll continue to support those who need it through to September but I am hopeful that we’ll see more people moving back into work as we continue on the road to recovery.”

Separate HMRC figures show 3,500 self-employed workers in Maldon have received Government cash since the self-employment income support scheme started.

The total value of the claims made across the district stood at £32.7 million by May 9.