In a boost to millions of jobs and businesses, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the government’s furlough scheme until the end of October 2020.
The decision was announced in the House of Commons on 12 May 2020, confirming there will be no changes to the current scheme until the end of July. There will be new flexibility introduced from August to get employees back to work and boost the economy.
Rishi Sunak confirmed there will be no reduction in the level of support for those on the scheme – however, employers will be asked to share the cost of paying staff salaries with the government. He advised the scheme will continue from August to October which will give businesses and staff greater flexibility to support everyone going back to work.
Those businesses who are already using the scheme will be able to bring their employees back to work part-time – more specific details and information around the extended furlough scheme will be made available by the end of May.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said:
“Our Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has protected millions of jobs and businesses across the UK during the outbreak – and I’ve been clear that I want to avoid a cliff edge and get people back to work in a measured way.
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”.
Contact the team for help and advice regarding the government’s furlough scheme on 0161 761 5231 or email theteam@horsfield-smith.co.uk.
