Recent ONS employment figures indicate that the number of workers on UK payrolls fell by more than 600,000 in March and April, and there are fears that job losses will accelerate as the government's job furlough scheme starts to wind down in August.

• Citizens Advice is already seeing a worrying increase in the number of people seeking advice on redundancy. Nationally, frontline advisers helped one person every two minutes with a redundancy issue between 8-12 June , and the charity's redundancy web pages have been viewed more than half a million times since the beginning of lockdown. Implications for the longer term and the impact of the crisis on all aspects of people's lives are very concerning.

During the crisis Citizens Advice Charnwood is continuing to provide one to one telephone advice for people living or working in the area. Volunteers have already helped nearly 400 individuals with a wide range of issues including over 80 clients with employment concerns.

Ian Dennis Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Charnwood, said:

"It is a tragic sign of our times that Citizens Advice is seeing so many people with redundancy related issues. We know that each job loss can mean a household struggling to cover their bills or pay for their rent and food shop.

"The Job Retention Scheme has so far prevented many redundancies, but with more job losses on the horizon, the government must ensure people can access adequate support through the benefits system. It must also protect people who are facing eviction or harsh debt collection as a result of this pandemic."

For urgent advice regarding redundancy, benefits and other issues ring Citizens Advice Charnwood on 01509 649605.

The advice line is open Mondays 9.30 - 3.00, Tuesday 9.30 – 12.00, Thursdays 9.30 – 3.00

For more information about services and links to online advice visit www.charnwoodcab.org.uk