SOUTH Lakeland is the ‘furlough capital’ of the UK with 40 per cent of its workers having used the Government’s Job Retention Scheme (JRS) since the beginning of the pandemic.

By comparison, the borough of Barrow-in-Furness has seen just 23 per cent of its workforce on furlough.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said the figures for South Lakeland were unsurprising given Cumbria’s reliance on tourism, a sector which has been closed since March, and called on the public to ‘get behind the industry’ by supporting local businesses.

“The way local people responded in March, April, May and June was absolutely fantastic, and we need this strong showing of support to continue,” she said.

“Our #ThePerfectPlaceToBe campaign not only encourages visitors but also local people to enjoy what’s right here on their doorstep too.

“Living here provides us all with the perfect chance to rediscover all areas of Cumbria, and lockdown taught us all to be grateful for what’s right here on our doorstep.”

The statistics, announced by HM Revenue & Customs, include JRS claims made up to June 30.

The Eden district followed closely behind its neighbour, with a 39 per cent JRS take-up rate placing it second UK-wide.

Robin Ashcroft , South Lakeland District Council portfolio holder for economy, culture and leisure, said the council was responding to the impact of the virus on the region ‘both at a local district level and within our wider economic geography’.

“A great deal of work is already under way, including the formation of a strategic renewal group that has a particular focus looking at the impacts on tourism,” he said.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said: “We’re heading for huge hardship unless the Government agrees to the package proposed by myself, Cumbria Tourism, MPs from across the House and indeed tourism organisations right across the country - from Visit Durham to Visit Cornwall.

“The Government must fast-track a specialist package for hospitality and tourism to save that industry today.”