The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended to the end of October, but firms will have to
contribute towards its costs before it is withdrawn. Announcing the move in parliament this afternoon,
chancellor Rishi Sunak said the furlough scheme, which has been taken up by nearly one million
businesses, would continue in its present form until the end of July and employees would be able to
work part time after that. However, at that stage, companies will be asked to contribute towards
the cost of the salary being supplemented by government.
There are no sector or region-specific changes to the scheme proposed. Some 7.5 million workers
across all sectors are being paid 80 per cent of their usual salaries, up to £2,500 a month, under the
scheme.
Specific details on changes to the scheme will be available before the end of May.