New furlough scheme to pay two thirds of wages in local lockdowns

The government will subside two thirds of employees’ salaries in businesses forced to close due to local lockdowns, the Chancellor has announced. As an expansion of its Jobs Support Scheme, the government will grant eligible businesses 67% of each employees’ salary throughout the closure period, up to a maximum of £2,100 a month. In addition to the extension, the government is increasing cash grants to businesses – such as nightclubs and other areas of hospitality - forced to close in England. Grants will be linked to rateable values with up to £3,000 per month payable every two weeks, compared to the up to £1,500 every three weeks which was available previously.