Furlough Scheme Extended: Jobs Saved for Another Month!
The government has just announced a crucial extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed the scheme will now run until the end of June, giving firms across the UK vital breathing space to protect millions of jobs amid ongoing social distancing rules.
Furlough Cash Boost Continues
The £2,500-a-month scheme pays 80% of workers’ wages while businesses keep staff on furlough. Originally set to end in May, this extension reflects the continued lockdown and uncertain road to reopening.
“With the extension of coronavirus restrictions yesterday, it is right to extend the furlough scheme for a month to the end of June,” said Sunak. “We’ve taken unprecedented action to support jobs and businesses through this period of uncertainty.”
Jobs Still Protected, Recovery in Sight
The government stresses it will keep the scheme under review, ready to adapt depending on how the pandemic unfolds. The Office for Budget Responsibility recently praised the furlough scheme for limiting job losses.
From global brewers like Brewdog to high street staples Timpsons, thousands of businesses have relied on the furlough scheme to keep staff employed.
What’s Next?
- Future extensions depend on the public health situation and government finances.
- The aim is to get the UK economy firing again—but only when it’s safe.
- Businesses now have clarity and time to navigate the crisis without mass job cuts.
Rishi Sunak concluded: “It is vital for people’s livelihoods that the UK economy gets up and running again when it is safe to do so, and I will continue to review the scheme so it is supporting our recovery.”
