The UK government's Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic furlough scheme is extended until October

THE UK government's furlough scheme has been extended until the end of October – and until the end of July in its current form.

Workers will continue to be paid 80 per cent of their monthly wages up to £2500 per month thoughout the scheme.

But from the beginning of August the amount paid by the government will go down to 60 per cent, with employers asked to contribute towards the remaining 20 per cent. However, firms will be able to take furloughed workers back on a part-time basis from the same point.

At present, 7.5 million people have been furloughed in the UK, which is up from 6.3 million last week.

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced the extension in the House of Commons this lunchtime.

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