THE END of the government's furlough scheme could have a 'devastating impact' on thousands of people across Dorset, the town's Police and Crime Commissioner has said.

The furlough scheme comes to an end today and is set to be replaced by the Job Support Scheme.

The new scheme will enable employees to work less than their normal hours if their business is affected by Covid-19, with the government and the employer paying some of the wages for the hours they are not working.

However, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martyn Underhill fears not everyone will be eligible for the scheme and residents need to prepare themselves for turbulent times ahead.

He said: "Many businesses are likely to collapse as we head into one of the bleakest winters a lot of us have ever known, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak recently telling the Commons that even businesses not forced to shut were facing ‘profound economic uncertainty’.

"Here in Dorset, where some towns rely heavily on the fleeting tourist trade, many people are sadly no strangers to economic uncertainty, and after having made it through the summer I fear greatly about the impact that the next few months will have on our businesses."

The PCC is also concerned about the impact of joblessness on people's mental health.

He said: "The last few months have already had a devastating effect, with charities nationally and locally talking about a huge increase in people reporting issues such as anxiety, stress and depression during lockdown and its aftermath.

"This may well be exacerbated as the furlough scheme ends, with many more people feeling uncertain and overwhelmed as financial struggles take over their lives, but help is out there for people who feel they need it.

"Help is available to those who need it, but we should also look out for each other. Check on people in your friendship groups if you’re worried about them, particularly men who are often less willing to come forward for help."

He added: "Please remember, now more than ever, its OK not to be OK. These next few months, maybe the next few years, are not likely to be easy for any of us. Let’s talk to each other."