Coronavirus diary, Friday 17 July

Jobs, jobs, jobs! Mr Sunak's battle cry has taken on an almost hysterical note following further sombre economic news.

In just three months, March to June, the lockdown has resulted in the loss of 650,000 jobs, according to the Office for National Statistics.

And their statistics could scarcely be worse:  

• 2.6 million claiming credit;
• 47,000 young people out of work;
• Fewer jobs available than in the 1930s.

The British Chambers of Commerce reports that 29% of businesses expect to cut jobs in the next three months. Young people face a bleak future. Thousands who have given up looking for work face years 'on the dole'.

The Jarrow marchers, 1936

It is an echo of the depression of the thirties when the jobless and hopeless unemployed resorted to pathetic marches.
Their pleas for jobs and food went unheard. This must not happen again. 

The next six months will be crucial. 

No one knows what will happen when the furlough scheme that has created a respite ends in the autumn, but it is clear that many more thousands of jobs will disappear. The statistics will get even worse.

Mr Sunak's £30 billion save and create jobs programme must succeed or Britain will struggle for many years.

The lucky ones may still enjoy life but there will be millions whose lives have been wrecked by the coronavirus pandemic.