2 million still furloughed

The 1-minute read to get the money news you need with expert adviser commentary.

Still relying on furlough

There are still 2 million workers relying on the furlough scheme, the day before it’s due to end. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 7.5% of the workforce was furloughed between the 5th and the 18th October. The furlough scheme ends on 31st October, and will be replaced by the less generous Job Support Scheme (JSS).

Mortgage approvals surge

The number of mortgage approvals hit a new high in September - lenders rubber-stamped 91,454 mortgages in one month. That’s the highest figure since September 2007. It’s all part of the post-lockdown mini boom caused by the release of pent-up demand and helped along by the stamp duty holiday.

"We can’t really read anything more into this article because there aren't any signs yet of how the market will look post April 2021."

Millennials want to wfh

There is a generational divide in how people want to work post-coronavirus. 64% of under-35s think flexible working should be here to stay - making the idea twice as popular among this age group compared to over-55s.