Rishi Sunak extends furlough scheme for Derry workers to March

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) went live on Monday, April 20, from which point businesses were able to claim towards staff wages.

Speaking in the British House of Commons this afternoon Mr. Sunak said CJRS will now run until the end of March with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked.

Similarly, support for millions more workers through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be increased, with the third grant covering November to January calculated at 80% of average trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500.

He said: "I’ve always said I would do whatever it takes to protect jobs and livelihoods across the UK - and that has meant adapting our support as the path of the virus has changed.

"It’s clear the economic effects are much longer lasting for businesses than the duration of any restrictions, which is why we have decided to go further with our support.

"Extending furlough and increasing our support for the self-employed will protect millions of jobs and give people and businesses the certainty they need over what will be a difficult winter."

He also announced an increase in the upfront guarantee of funding for the devolved administrations from £14 billion to £16 billion to support workers, business and individuals in the north and in Scotland and Wales.