38,000 workers in Fife benefit from furlough scheme

Nearly 38,000 people in Fife have been put on furlough under the UK Government's coronavirus job retention scheme.

New data from HMRC also shows that as of the end of last month, more than 9,000 people in the region had sought help through the self-employment income support scheme.

They made claims totalling £26.3 million and the take-up rate was 70%.

The furlough scheme currently pays 80% of workers' wages. That will drop over time, with employers expected to start contributing to the programme from August.

Rishi Sunak, chancellor of the exchequer, said: "The UK Government is doing everything we can to protect jobs and businesses in Scotland and across the UK during the crisis. 

"Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported the livelihoods of millions and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible."