Swindon is less reliant on the Covid-19 furlough scheme than most other areas of the UK, according to new government statistics.

Figures released by HMRC show that just 9 per cent of eligible jobs are covered by the scheme - compared to a UK average of 12 percent. In the month ending December 31, 11,200 jobs were protected by the furlough scheme in Swindon.

In Wiltshire, the figure was a little higher at 10 percent (22,200 jobs) but still below the England average. In Bristol, 11 percent are on furlough, and in Bath 12 percent are covered by the scheme.