Furlough scheme extended until April
The Chancellor announced the extension on Thursday
Last updated 23rd May 2022
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that the furlough scheme will be extended for an extra month, until the end of April 2021.
The announcement comes amid concerns over the long-term economic impact of the virus.
Employees on the scheme, otherwise known as the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme, will continue to receive 80% of their wages up to £2,500/month from the Government until the end of April.
Meanwhile employers are required to pay National Insurance Contributions and pensions.
Speaking on the announcement, the Chancellor said: “Our package of support for businesses and workers continues to be one of the most generous and effective in the world – helping our economy to recover and protecting livelihoods across the country.
“We know the premium businesses place on certainty, so it is right that we enable them to plan ahead regardless of the path the virus takes, which is why we’re providing certainty and clarity by extending this support, as well as implementing our plan for jobs.”
He also declared the next Budget will take place on March 3 2021.
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