Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that the furlough scheme will be extended by a further four months with workers continuing to receive 80% of their current salary.
The scheme will continue in its current form until the end of July and the changes to allow more flexibility will come in from the start of August. 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. The employer payments will substitute the contribution the government is currently making, ensuring that staff continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to £2,500 a month.
More specific details and information around its implementation will be made available by the end of this month.
The government will also explore ways through which furloughed workers who wish to do additional training or learn new skills are supported during this period. It will also continue to work closely with the Devolved Administrations to ensure the scheme supports people across the Union.
Further information can be found on the government’s website.