How to find out if you can claim for wages with new furlough checker as scheme extended

A handy ‘furlough checker’ allows people to check if they are eligible to claim wages under the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme as the country heads for another national lockdown.
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The scheme, which covers 80 per cent of wages for temporarily laid-off workers due to the pandemic, had been due to end in October but was extended after Boris Johnson addressed the nation on Saturday (October 31) to announce a second lockdown.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the scheme will run for the length of the new nationwide lockdown restrictions as pubs, restaurants, hospitality firms and non-essential retail are forced to close.

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He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “Although things are difficult in the short term, the longer we look out, I think there are reasons for cautious optimism."

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak speaks during a virtual press conference on the coronavirus pandemic inside 10 Downing Street (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak speaks during a virtual press conference on the coronavirus pandemic inside 10 Downing Street (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak speaks during a virtual press conference on the coronavirus pandemic inside 10 Downing Street (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Employers are still expected to cover national insurance and pension contributions.

Find out if you’re eligible to claim under the scheme by clicking here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.