Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak (pictured) has confirmed an extension of the furlough scheme for a further month. It will now run until the 30 April 2021.
The Government will continue to pay up to 80% of the wages of employees who have been furloughed.
The chancellor also confirmed an extension to the Government-guaranteed Covid-19 business loan schemes until the end of March.
Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association said that the association was pleased to hear that the chancellor has given advanced notice of the extension. “By making this announcement now, it allows the business meetings and events sector the financial assurance to be able to plan longer-term,” she said.
“As we continue our ongoing liaison with government, it also provides the sector additional time to demonstrate how we can re-open and operate business meetings and events safely and securely – no matter which tier they are operating within.”
