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.

Related: Summer statement 2020: the chancellor's key points at a glance

The coronavirus lockdown has prompted some of the UK's most prominent companies to announce large-scale job losses. The aviation, automotive and retail sectors have been among the worst hit, as businesses adjust to dramatically reduced revenue projections.