The furlough scheme to support workers through the coronavirus crisis is being extended to the end of October with 80 per cent of wages continuing to be paid by the government, chancellor Rishi Sunak has told the House of Commons.
1/ The job retention scheme will be extended, for four months, until the end of October.
By that point, we will have provided eight months of support to British people and businesses. Until the end of July, there will be no changes to the scheme whatsoever. pic.twitter.com/gQznY4c2Ir
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 12, 2020
Mr Sunak said “I can announce today that the Job Retention Scheme will be extended for four months until the end of October.
“By that point, we will have provided eight months of support to British people and businesses.”
Mr Sunak continued: “Until the end of July there will be no changes whatsoever.
“Then from August to October, the scheme will continue for all sectors and regions of the UK but with greater flexibility to support the transition back to work.
“Employers currently using the scheme will be able to bring furloughed employees back part-time.
“And we we will ask employers to start sharing with the Government the cost of paying people’s salaries.
“Full details will follow by the end of May.”
4/ Further detail will follow by the end of May but I want to assure people one thing won’t change:
Workers will, through the combined efforts of government and employers, continue to receive the same level of support as they do now, at 80% of their salary, up to £2,500.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 12, 2020
Taking to Twitter after his announcement he said “Further detail will follow by the end of May but I want to assure people one thing won’t change:
“Workers will, through the combined efforts of government and employers, continue to receive the same level of support as they do now, at 80% of their salary, up to £2,500.”
