EDEN is one of the 'furlough capitals' of the United Kingdom, with 39 per cent of workers in the district having signed up to the Government's Job Retention Scheme (JRS) since the onset of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

This is according to new figures, published by HM Revenue & Customs, that provide a breakdown of the numbers of JRS claimants across the UK.

The statistics include JRS claims made up to June 30.

Neighbouring South Lakeland was the only part of the UK with a higher proportion of registered applicants, recording 40 per cent of workers in the area who are JRS claimants.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said the figures for Eden and South Lakeland were unsurprising given Cumbria’s reliance on tourism. The county's hospitality and tourism sectors have been closed since March.

She 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,” Ms Haigh 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.”