Many recruitment firms and employers across the country are finding record levels of people are applying for jobs as a result of coronavirus. A number of people have already lost their jobs and others are uncertain of the future as the furlough scheme begins to change in the autumn.

At the same time, companies such as Amazon, Aldi, and Lidl - which launched operations at its £70 million regional distribution centre in Peterborough over the weekend - are bringing new jobs to the city.

Karen Dykes, recruitment partner at Anne Corder Recruitment, spoke to Peterborough Matters about what her firm is seeing in the Peterborough job market.

She said: "In terms of high volume of applications, we are aware that this is happening in some sectors. For us, most of our roles require matching them with candidates who have specific experience, so we aren’t seeing high volumes of people applying for one particularly position.

"Let’s not forget that the furlough scheme continues to protect many jobs, so in light of this, we aren’t finding that the market is flooded with job seekers at this time. There will no doubt be a change in coming weeks as the furlough scheme tapers out and employers’ contribution to wages increase.

"It is however, fantastic to hear that the Peterborough market seems to be doing better than other areas with news that a number of big companies are bringing or expanding their business in the city – further putting Peterborough on the economic map when it comes to being a great place in which to invest.

"Although sadly, there are undoubtedly job losses in the city as a result of the pandemic – it is very encouraging of read of some 1,200 jobs being created at the Peterborough Gateway at Alwalton Hill with the impending arrival of big companies like AM Fresh, Lidl, Urban Outfitters and McCormick, all confirming new jobs in the city."

The number of people in the Peterborough constituency on furlough in July was 15,600 people out of a total workforce of 62,200.