Chancellor Rishi Sunak extends furlough scheme until end of MARCH in Commons speech

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

The Chancellor said the move is needed because of the economic situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Sunak said the Government’s highest priority remains “to protect jobs and livelihoods”.

He had previously extended the furlough throughout November due to the second national lockdown in England.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak giving a statement to MPs in the House of Commons on economic measures for the second national lockdown in England.

The Chancellor told the Commons: “We can announce today that the furlough scheme will not be extended for one month, it will be extended until the end of March.

“The Government will continue to help pay people’s wages up to 80% of the normal amount.

“All employers will have to pay for hours not worked is the cost of employer NICs and pension contributions.

“We will review the policy in January to decide whether economic circumstances are improving enough to ask employers to contribute more.”