Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveils details of furlough scheme taper as he extends self-employed support

Cat Neilan
·2 min read
Coronavirus Article Bar with counter ..
Coronavirus Article Bar with counter ..

Rishi Sunak has extended the furlough scheme for self-employed people, allowing those eligible to claim a “second and final grant" capped at £6,570.

The Chancellor has also revealed details of the taper to the  job retention scheme for employed workers, which will require firms only to start paying National Insurance and pensions contributions from August, with the Government continuing to cover the full cost of furloughed staff’s 80 per cent salary until September.

It will then drop to 70 per cent, with employers covering the missing 10 per cent, before falling further to 60 per cent in October, when the scheme is due to end.

The Chancellor also revealed that firms can start bringing furloughed staff back part-time from July 1 - a month earlier than previously announced. Individual firms will decide the hours and shift patterns their employees will work on their return, so that they can decide on the best approach for them, and will be responsible for paying their wages while in work.

Mr Sunak said: “Our top priority has always been to support people, protect jobs and businesses through this crisis. The furlough and self-employment schemes have been a lifeline for millions of people and businesses.

“We stood behind Britain’s businesses and workers as we came into this crisis and we stand behind them as we come through the other side. Now, as we begin to re-open our country and kick-start our economy, these schemes will adjust to ensure those who are able to work can do so, while remaining among the most generous in the world.”

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