Rishi Sunak has announced a new job support scheme for those unable to work due to lockdown measures.
As the nationwide furlough scheme comes to an end, the Chancellor has unveiled new plans that will help thousands of workers whose employers are forced to shut down.
Speaking on Friday, Sunak confirmed that employees working for firms forced to close because of coronavirus laws will receive two thirds of their wages (67 per cent) from the government.
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The new measures are described as an "expansion" of the furlough scheme, which will run for six months from 1sst November.
The news comes as pubs and restaurants in northern cities prepare to shut their doors once more to prevent the spread of the virus, just three months after reopening for the summer.
It follows Thursday's announcement that 17,560 more people across the UK had tested positive for Covid-19 with a further 77 deaths reported.
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Hospitalisations across the UK continue to rise, while one minister has said the virus is "getting out of control" in the North.
But there are fears vulnerable Britons may have to shield indoors for months under Prime Minister Boris Johnson's 'three-tier' lockdown system.
England follows on from Scotland, whose First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on Wednesday a ban on bars, pubs and restaurants serving alcohol indoors after 6pm, with some regions seeing their hospitality industry completely shut down for two weeks.
Topics: Life News, lockdown, News