Chancellor extends UK furlough scheme until end of October

Rishi Sunak says programme will run for further four months as coronavirus crisis continues

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The chancellor has extended the government's coronavirus wage subsidy scheme for workers until the end of October despite its spiralling cost, as he attempts to prevent a wave of job losses in the summer.

In a surprise move that underlines the likely duration of the economic crisis, Rishi Sunak said the unprecedented scheme would continue until the autumn, despite its eye-watering cost.