Extend coronavirus wage subsidies or risk delayed redundancies, firms warn

Employers say furlough scheme could become waiting room for redundancies' if it ends in June

• Coronavirus - latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

The UK government's plan to subsidise the wages of workers affected by the Covid-19 lockdown should be extended until at least autumn to prevent it from becoming a waiting room" for redundancy, employers groups have argued.

Demanding the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, make urgent changes to protect workers, firms and the wider economy, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) said the Treasury's multibillion-pound coronavirus job retention scheme needed to be made more flexible to allow furloughed staff to work reduced hours.

Related: Business Today: sign up for a morning shot of financial news