Boris Johnson Announces 80% Furlough Scheme With Second Lockdown
Boris Johnson has said the furlough scheme, with 80% of lost wages paid, will be extended during the new month-long national lockdown for England.
The prime minister confirmed at a snap Downing Street press conference on Saturday that the second lockdown will begin on Thursday and last until December 2.
All pubs, restaurants, hospitality venues, non-essential retail and leisure facilities will close during that time, though manufacturing and construction can continue, and schools, colleges, universities and essential shops will stay open.
Second Lockdown
The government has confirmed that the emergency wages scheme will continue, with the cut-off set at 80%.
The prime minister apologised for the strain the lockdown would put on hard-pressed firms, still reeling from previous restrictions, adding: “I’m under no illusions about how difficult this will be for businesses which have already had to endure such hardship this year and I’m truly, truly sorry for that – and that’s why we’re going to extend the furlough system through November.
“The furlough system was a success in the spring, it supported people in businesses in a critical time. We will not end it, we will extend furlough until December.”
He said the measures would be time-limited from November 5 to December 2, when restrictions would be eased and regions would go back into the tiered system.
Johnson added: “Christmas is going to be different this year, perhaps very different. but it’s my sincere hope and belief that by taking tough action now we can allow families across the country to be together.”
The 80% matches the rate announced during the first lockdown in March and is a higher percentage than the 67% chancellor Rishi Sunak set out for...
