The Government's furlough scheme could be extended once again next month, according to national reports.
The scheme is currently expected to run until April 30, but with uncertainty around which parts of society will have re-opened by then, there's pressure on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend the scheme further.
The news suggests that lockdown measures are unlikely to be lifted quickly, Herts Live reports.
Boris Johnson is expected to set out his road map out of lockdown at a briefing on February 22, with schools expected to be the first reopening on March 8.
Hospitality businesses and non-essential retailers are expected to follow in the weeks after, meaning that some businesses may still not be open until after the final date of the Job Retention Scheme.
Businesses within the hospitality industry especially could still be dependent on Government support, without any guarantees if they will be able to open to full capacity.
However, The Guardian reported on February 18 that Rishi Sunak's budget will provide more support for those hit because of coronavirus, rather than pushing for a quick reopening.
Sources told the newspaper that the budget is "likely to echo Sunak's autumn "plan for jobs", extending key support schemes such as furlough and the business interruption loans."
The budget will be announced on March 3, so these measures may be confirmed ahead of time depending on what the Prime Minister announces on February 22.
The steps could allow for a more gradual easing of lockdown, which could mean a staggered approach between each part of society re-opening.
The furlough scheme allows employers to claim 80 per cent of staff wages, up to £2,500, for those who are unable to work due to the pandemic.
