Government announces extension of furlough scheme until March as UK enters lockdown

The chancellor of the exchequer has today announced that the government furlough scheme will be extended until March.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which was originally scheduled to end on October 31, will now run until the end of March 2021.

This will see furloughed workers across the UK receiving 80 per cent of their current salary for hours not worked.

The extension is due to the country’s return to lockdown, which officially began today (5 November).

The announcement also confirmed that the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be increased, with the third grant covering November to January.

Rishi Sunak, chancellor of the exchequer, commented:  “I’ve always said I would do whatever it takes to protect jobs and livelihoods across the UK - and that has meant adapting our support as the path of the virus has changed.

“It’s clear the economic effects are much longer lasting for businesses than the duration of any restrictions, which is why we have decided to go further with our support.

“Extending furlough and increasing our support for the self-employed will protect millions of jobs and give people and businesses the certainty they need over what will be a difficult winter.”