May 12, 2020 12.56 pm This story is over 45 months old

Government furlough scheme extended by four months

News just I for furloughed workers

The UK government’s furlough scheme which pays the wages of staff unable to work has been extended to the end of October.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak confirmed in the commons on Tuesday, May 12 that the job retention scheme would continue for another four months.

Levels of pay for furloughed employees would remain, but employers will be asked to contribute more.

Until the end of July, there will be no changes to the scheme. Some 7.5 million workers are currently covered by the arrangement.

From August to October however, the government has said there will be ‘greater flexibility’ to support the transition back to work, and employers will be able to bring back furloughed employees part-time.

“Further detail will follow by the end of May but I want to assure people one thing won’t change,” Rishi added. “Workers will, through the combined efforts of government and employers, continue to receive the same level of support as they do now, at 80% of their salary, up to £2,500.”

Check who is eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme here.