Chancellor extends furlough scheme until October
The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October, the Chancellor announced today. The move will allow workers on the furlough scheme to continue to receive 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500. But new flexibility will be introduced from August to get employees back to work and boost economy.
New statistics published today revealed the job retention scheme has protected 7.5 million workers and almost 1 million businesses. Industry leaders had been lobbying Government to extend the scheme.
Rishi Sunak said the furlough scheme would be extended by a further four months with workers continuing to receive 80% of their current salary.
From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.
The employer payments will substitute the contribution the government is currently making, ensuring that staff continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to £2,500 a month.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “This extension and the changes we are making to the scheme will give flexibility to businesses while protecting the livelihoods of the British people and our future economic prospects.
The scheme will continue in its current form until the end of July and the changes to allow more flexibility will come in from the start of August. More specific details and information around its implementation will be made available by the end of this month.
The government will explore ways through which furloughed workers who wish to do additional training or learn new skills are supported during this period.
Commentary
Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The Job Retention Scheme is a lifeline which has been hugely beneficial in helping small employers keep their staff in work, and it’s extension is welcome. Small employers have told us that part-time furloughing will help them recover from this crisis and it is welcome that new flexibility is announced today.
British Chamber of Commerce Director General Adam Marshall said: “The Chancellor is once again listening to what we’ve been saying, and the changes planned will help businesses bring their people back to work through the introduction of a part-time furlough scheme.
“Over the coming months, the Government should continue to listen to business and evolve the scheme in line with what’s happening on the ground. Further support may yet be needed for companies who are unable to operate for an extended period, or those who face reduced capacity or demand due to ongoing restrictions.”
Read more related stories here.
