The number of British people claiming unemployment benefits due to the corona crisis has risen to almost 2.1 million. More than 856,000 applications were filed in April, according to the UK National Statistical Office.

It is the largest increase in the number of applications in one month ever recorded. The number of people who have now submitted a claim for benefits has risen to its highest level since 1996. In April, Britain was in a lockdown, with many closed companies causing significant job losses.

According to the researchers, up to 7.5 million jobs could be saved through government support. In addition, the government pays 80 percent of the wages of employees who have been sent on temporary leave but are not fired.