Can a public sector recruitment drive solve the looming UK unemployment crisis?

Analysis: An aim of the government’s hiring policy is to help deal with an expected surge of unemployment as the Treasury winds down its jobs furlough scheme. But how likely is this to succeed? Ben Chu investigates

Economists see a public sector recruitment drive as welcome, but mainly as a way of improving the quality of the UK’s public services rather than a means to boost overall employment in this historic recession (Getty)

Boris Johnson has said his government is planning a major public sector recruitment drive. “Together, we are on a mission to build back better – protect our NHS, make our streets safer, educate the next generation and unleash Britain’s potential,” the prime minister said this week.

However, another apparent aim of the policy is to help deal with an expected surge of unemployment as the Treasury winds down its jobs furlough scheme.

The Office for Budget Responsibility has projected that unemployment will shoot up to 4 million by the end of the year, levels even higher than seen in the 1980s recession.