The scheme was set to end today - and many people have already been made redundant
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the furlough scheme will be extended for another month.
The decision comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new month-long national lockdown covering England.
In a tweet posted shortly after Boris' announcement, Sunak said:
"Following the PM's announcement on further restrictions across the country we have decided to extended the furlough scheme for a further month covering 80% of employees' wages."
https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1322616989337223169
In his press conference, Boris said:
"We are going to extend the furlough system through November. The furlough scheme was a success, in the spring it supported people and businesses in a critical time. We will not end it, we will extend furlough until December."
The furlough scheme was set to end on Saturday, 31st October.
Boris' new lockdown measures will see non-essential retail and hospitality close but, unlike the first lockdown in the spring, schools, colleges and universities will be permitted to remain open.
Travel has also been restricted to essential trips only. You may only leave home for work, medical reasons or essential travel.
The Prime Minister said you can only leave your house for the following reasons:
- for education
- for work, if you cannot work from home
- for exercise and recreation outdoors
- for medical reasons
- to shop for food and essentials
- to care for others
