Mass unemployment feared despite Rishi Sunak's 'plan for jobs'

Economic experts, unions and Labour sound warning after summer statement

Rishi Sunak has been warned he will need to act far more decisively to prevent mass unemployment this autumn after unveiling a 30bn mini budget designed to tempt nervous consumers out their Covid-19 hibernation.

The chancellor announced a short-term cut in VAT for hospitality and tourism and an August eat out to help out" discount scheme as the government sought to send out a message to the public that it was safe to leave their homes and enjoy themselves.