Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the furlough scheme which subsidises some of the wages of workers temporarily laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be extended until October 2020.
The government-funded scheme will continue to support those who rely on 80 percent of their salaries being paid by the state, and from the end of July workers will also be encouraged to return part-time.
6.3 million people across the United Kingdom are currently dependent on the scheme at a cost of £8 billion to taxpayers.
Speaking from the UK parliament, Rishi Sunak said: "We are doing everything we can to protect people who can't work.
"This scheme has been a world-leading economic intervention
"Seven and a half million jobs have been furloughed
"The job retention scheme will be extended for four months until the end of October
"Until the end of July there will no changes. 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 workers back part-time
"Workers will continue to receive the same level."
