Podcast: Unemployment in Kent rose 116% in 2020

2021-01-26

Stats out today have revealed the number of people claiming jobless benefits in Kent rose 116% in 2020. In December there were more than 68,800 people claiming in the county - up from just under 32,000 in January. We get reaction from Jo James, the chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, who says the furlough scheme needs to be extended. Also in the podcast, fears schools could be left out of pocket with more children likely to qualify for free school meals when they return after...

Stats out today have revealed the number of people claiming jobless benefits in Kent rose 116% in 2020.

In December there were more than 68,800 people claiming in the county - up from just under 32,000 in January.

We get reaction from Jo James, the chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, who says the furlough scheme needs to be extended.

Also in the podcast, fears schools could be left out of pocket with more children likely to qualify for free school meals when they return after lockdown.

Local democracy reporter Ciaran Duggan has an update on plans for a railway line from Kent to Cambridge.

And, we look ahead to Gillingham's game in league one tonight.

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