PRIME Minister Boris Johnson suggested there WILL be an extension to the furlough scheme as he promised not to “pull the rug out” on economic support.
It came as he updated parliament on his roadmap out of lockdown.
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The Prime Minister said: “We will not pull the rug out.
“We will do whatever it takes to protect jobs across the UK and my right honourable friend the Chancellor will set out plans next Wednesday.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is due to set out his Budget on Wednesday March 3.
The Government’s coronavirus support programmes are due to end in April.
It comes as…
Last week, it was reported that Mr Sunak will push the deadline back, according to the Financial Times.
The Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme – dubbed furlough – has been supporting employees unable to work, for example because their place of work has been forced to close or they are isolating.
The Government will pay 80% of wages, up to £2,500 a month, for furloughed workers, until April 30, but it is now expected to be phased out from autumn.
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Mr Johnsons said he hoped the roadmap was a “one way road to freedom” but the threat from covid remained “substantial”.
Restrictions will be lifted first for schools, which can reopen from March 8 bringing relief for families homeschooling.
Six people or two households will be allowed to meet with each other outside from March 29.
Having a drink outside will follow as part of the gradual lifting of restrictions, along with non-essential retail re-opening on April 12.
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When will non-essential shops open?
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Gyms to reopen on April 12 for exercise but classes won’t restart until mid-May
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When will hairdressers and barbers reopen?
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Full list of businesses that must stay closed until April 12
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It comes as Boris Johnson vowed to offer every adult in Britain a jab against Covid-19 by the end of July.
And The PM is confident he can speed up the vaccination programme to free the country from lockdown sooner than planned.
More than 17 million have been vaccinated — including two-thirds of the 65 to 69 age group who only received their invitation letters last week — thanks to hard-working NHS staff.
Confused about the furlough scheme? Here are 15 things you need to know including how much you should be paid and what happens when it ends.
Rishi Sunak announces that the UK economy shrank by 9.9% under coronavirus lockdown
