Rishi Sunak extends furlough scheme until end of June

The decision will allow firms from across the country to continue to protect millions of jobs

In a press release following Thursday’s announcement of the decision to keep social distancing measures in place, Sunak said that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme would be extended through June.

Sunak, said: “We’ve taken unprecedented action to support jobs and businesses through this period of uncertainty, including the UK-wide Job Retention Scheme. With the extension of the coronavirus lockdown measures yesterday, it is the right decision to extend the furlough scheme for a month to the end of June to provide clarity.”

The scheme, which was backdated to 1 March and had initially been expected to end in May, allows firms to furlough employees with the government paying cash grants of 80% of their wages up to £2,500.

The Chancellor also said he would keep the scheme under review and extend it further if necessary.