In a move that will be welcomed by many employers, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced that the furlough scheme, recognised by many as being world-leading in terms of the support it offers, will be extended until the end of October. The scheme will continue unchanged until the end of July but from August onwards employers can expect some tweaks. For example, importantly for many employers who will looking to be gradually scale up their operations, the scheme will be adapted to allow employees to return to work part-time whilst still being eligible for furlough. In an equally significant change, the Chancellor announced that whilst employees who are furloughed will continue to receive 80% of pay (capped at £2,500 per month) employers will be required to contribute a percentage of that pay. More details of how the scheme will evolve to encompass these changes will be released in due course.
In a boost to millions of jobs and businesses, Rishi Sunak said the furlough scheme would be extended by a further four months with workers continuing to receive 80% of their current salary. As we reopen the economy, we need to support people to get back to work. From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.