Coronavirus: UK workers to receive two thirds of wages if firms told to shut
Author: Aishah Rahman | Friday 9th October 2020
The government is set to pay two thirds of wages for employees at UK firms forced to shut down due to coronavirus restrictions.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the extended Job Support Scheme begins on 1 November for six months, and a Treasury source said it could cost hundreds of millions of pounds a month. The scheme will be reviewed after six months and workers must be off for a minimum of seven days to be eligible.
The government will pay employees who legally cannot attend work 60% of their salaries, up to £2,100 a month.
Chancellor Sunak said: “The expansion of the Job Support Scheme will provide a safety net for businesses across the UK who are required to temporarily close their doors, giving them the right support at the right time”.
A restrictions update could see pubs, cafes and restaurants shut in the worst-hit areas.
