The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced in the House of Commons today that the UK scheme to pay wages of workers on leave because of coronavirus will be extended to October.
He has confirmed that employees will continue to receive 80% of their monthly wages up to £2,500, but he said the government will ask companies to “start sharing” the cost of the scheme from August.
The chancellor has told the Commons that from August, the scheme would continue for all sectors and regions of the country but with greater flexibility to support the transition back to work. Employers currently using the scheme would be able to bring furloughed employees back part-time.
Just a gentle reminder that the ‘Ask the Experts: Planning Ahead’ is now available at https://www.blackburnbid.co.uk/coronavirus-qa/ for you to ask any question affecting your business.
Ian Brown Chair of BwD Hive, Nicola Clayton Chair Blackburn BID and Councillor Phil Riley Executive Member for Growth and Development said about the session:
“This is a critical time for local business as we begin the transition to the new normal. We urge all businesses that are struggling or who are unsure what its next steps are to reach out and get involved with these sessions.
“We are pleased that together we are facilitating advice sessions like ‘ask the experts’; providing the opportunity for our businesses to support each other as we continue on our shared journey to nurture a strong local economy.”
