Rishi Sunak extends Covid furlough scheme until March 2021

Latest U-turn follows growing pressure for more support to protect jobs and the economy as second wave hits

Rishi Sunak has been forced into a U-turn over the government's flagship job support scheme as he announced an extension of the furlough programme until March next year.

In a major climbdown for the government, the chancellor said the Treasury would allow the scheme to run for a full year by continuing to pay 80% of temporarily laid-off workers' wages until 31 March. Sunak also announced an expansion in funding for self-employed workers from November to January, in an announcement that indicated a difficult winter ahead as the government confirmed that economic support would run well into next year.

Taken aback by ChX statement.

Basically return to March schemes (dreamt up on the hoof in 24 hrs) as if nothing learnt since.

Wasteful & badly targeted for self-employed. No effort at targeting sectors/viable jobs for employees. Big contrast to position just days ago.