Lockdown economic support sees Furlough scheme extended

The government has announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended for a month with employees receiving 80 per cent of their current salary for hours not worked.

Forming part of the government’s plan for the next phase of its response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) - also known as the Furlough scheme - will remain open until December, with employees receiving 80 per cent of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500.

Additionally, business premises forced to close in England are to receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant. A further £1.1 billion is being given to local authorities, distributed on the basis of £20 per head, for one-off payments to enable them to support businesses more broadly.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Over the past eight months of this crisis we have helped millions of people to continue to provide for their families. But now - along with many other countries around the world - we face a tough winter ahead. I have always said that we will do whatever it takes as the situation evolves. Now, as restrictions get tougher, we are taking steps to provide further financial support to protect jobs and businesses. These changes will provide a vital safety net for people across the UK.”