Covid-19: PM stresses England 'stay at home' message, and furlough until March - BBC News

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Thursday evening. We'll have another update for you on Friday morning.

1. Lockdown 'is enough to have impact'

A four-week national lockdown in England is enough to have a "real impact" on limiting the spread of Covid-19, the prime minister has insisted. Speaking at a news conference, Boris Johnson said he "knows how tough" the new restrictions will be and people were "quite frankly fed up" with the virus. But he repeated his plea for people to follow the "stay at home" lockdown rules which came into force today and insisted the country can "get through this" together.

2. Furlough scheme extended to end of March

The furlough scheme will be extended across the UK until the end of March, the chancellor has confirmed. Rishi Sunak told the Commons the scheme will pay up to 80% of a person's wage up to £2,500 a month and the policy would be reviewed in January. He said the scheme would apply throughout the UK, saying the country had "a Treasury for the whole of the United Kingdom". Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds accused Mr Sunak of ignoring objections to the government's measures "until the last possible moment".

3. 'Cautious optimism' over spread of virus in Scotland

People in Scotland have been living under tough restrictions since Monday and it has started to have an effect on the spread of the virus, according to Nicola Sturgeon. The first minister said the "R number" metric - showing on average how many people each patient with the virus will infect - had dropped to about one. A five-tier system was brought in across the country earlier this week, which saw restrictions on household mixing and hospitality. Ms Sturgeon said she still could not rule out a full lockdown, but Scotland was in a "better position" than England.

PA Media

4. Denmark to cull mink amid coronavirus fears

Denmark is to cull all of its mink after a mutated version of the coronavirus that can spread to humans was found on mink farms. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the mutated virus posed a "risk to the effectiveness" of a future Covid-19 vaccine. Denmark is the world's biggest producer of mink fur and the move could see up to 17 million animals culled. Coronavirus cases have been detected in mink farms in Denmark, and in other parts of Europe, for several months. But cases are spreading fast in Denmark, and five cases of the new virus strain were found on mink farms. Twelve people had become infected, the authorities said.

Reuters

5. Couple finally marry to become Mr and Mrs White-Christmas

A newly-married couple have made sure they're reminded of Christmas in their home every day of the year. Tilly Christmas and Kieran White tied the knot in a pre-lockdown ceremony and brought their surnames together to become Mr and Mrs White-Christmas. The couple had planned to get married in July but it was postponed due to the pandemic. Their wedding ceremony was at the Roman Baths in Bath on Tuesday and was followed by a reception for 15 guests. "I wanted to keep the name going. It just so happens the man I am marrying has the perfect surname to go with it," Tilly said.

Memories Made Photography

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And don't forget...

Find more information, advice and guides on our coronavirus page.

England's new national lockdown takes place over winter when the nights are longer and colder. Check out this handy guide about how to exercise safely outdoors during the four-week restrictions.

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• ASK MARTIN LEWIS PODCAST: Talking you through the latest financial help for Lockdown 2.0
• NEED A NEW SERIES FOR LOCKDOWN?: Watch all episodes of figuring-it-out comedy Twenties

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2020-11-05 17:41:00Z
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Covid: Rishi Sunak to extend furlough scheme to end of March - BBC News

The furlough scheme will be extended across the UK until the end of March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed.

Mr Sunak said the scheme will pay up to 80% of a person's wage up to £2,500 a month. He told the Commons that the government will review the policy in January.

The chancellor said his intention was "to give businesses security through the winter".

"The security we are providing will protect millions of jobs," he added.

The furlough scheme subsidises the wages of people who cannot do their jobs, either because their workplace is closed or because there is no longer enough work for them.

Mr Sunak said it would apply throughout the UK, saying the country had "a Treasury for the whole of the United Kingdom".

• Coronavirus: Am I eligible for the extended furlough scheme?
• Coronavirus: What help are self-employed getting?

As part of the revised scheme, anyone made redundant after 23 September can be rehired and put back on furlough.

What other measures did the chancellor announce?

Mr Sunak also announced billions of pounds of other support for the economy, including more money for self-employed people.

Support 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.

At the same time, the chancellor raised guaranteed funding for the UK's devolved administrations by £2bn to £16bn.

But, many people will remain ineligible for help, including the newly self-employed, those whose pay themselves in dividends, freelancers, and sole traders who previously had a trading profit of more than £50,000.

What does it feel like to be on furlough?

LOUISE SOLOMON

Chef Louise Solomon, 49, is going back on furlough from midnight and says she feels "a huge sense of relief".

She says without the support, she and her wife, a key worker, would only have lasted a few months before things got tight.

"I have card loans, and companies want to be paid regardless. I'd probably have to sell my car and look at what else I could get rid of."

Instead, the furlough extension has given her some breathing space. "It gives you that security - you can sleep at night, knowing money is coming in."

What was the political reaction?

Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds accused Mr Sunak of ignoring objections to the government's measures "until the last possible moment".

She pointed out that he had previously "ridiculed" a furlough extension as "a blunt instrument".

But Mr Sunak defended his rapid change of policy, saying: "It is not a weakness to be fast-moving in a crisis, but rather a strength."

Alison Thewliss, the Scottish National Party's Treasury spokesperson at Westminster, described the "long-overdue Tory U-turn" as "welcome", but said it came after six months of sustained pressure from the SNP and devolved governments.

Northern Ireland Finance Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the new support, but said it was "regrettable" that repeated calls to extend the furlough scheme "had not been answered sooner".

What does it mean for the government?

This is a change of heart from ministers - and a really significant one. The chancellor and the prime minister did not want to be here.

The furlough scheme was due to end at the start of November. At the weekend, we found out it would last until 2 December. Now it's staying until the end of March.

The government will argue it is necessary because of a changing health picture. They are clearly worried about the economic outlook.

But political opponents have been calling for this for some time and they believe the chancellor has waited too long.

The Treasury has said anyone who was made redundant after 23 September - when the furlough replacement was announced - can be brought back on to the scheme.

But the government will face accusations it should have done this sooner.

What's the background to the decision?

The latest announcement follows several days of wrangling over the scope and duration of the furlough scheme. It was due to end on 31 October, but was then extended to cover the new four-week lockdown in England.

That announcement at the weekend sparked a row with Scotland and Wales, which argued that it was unfair for the full support package to be available only when England is in lockdown.

They said the scheme should be on offer if they went into their own full national lockdowns later on.

Magnum Photos

The Treasury has not put a cost on extending the furlough initiative until March, as it will depend on the take-up of the scheme,

However, it suggests a rule of thumb of £1bn a month, per million who use it. So three million furloughed workers would cost £3bn a month.

The furlough scheme has cost more than £50bn so far.

What are other people saying?

Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank, said the support did not go far enough, particularly for the self-employed, and suggested it had been "dreamt up on the hoof".

Taken aback by ChX statement.

Basically return to March schemes (dreamt up on the hoof in 24 hrs) as if nothing learnt since.

Wasteful & badly targeted for self-employed. No effort at targeting sectors/viable jobs for employees. Big contrast to position just days ago.

— Paul Johnson (@PJTheEconomist) November 5, 2020

However, Howard Archer, chief economic adviser to the EY Item Club, said extending the furlough scheme and the self-employment grant to the end of March provided "important support to the UK economy at a time of heightened uncertainty".

Heathrow airport chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: "Whilst we welcome the extension of the furlough scheme, we are clear that it doesn't go far enough for an aviation sector that has been on its knees since March."

He said the sector was being ignored by the government, adding: "The hundreds of thousands of families across the UK that rely on jobs in aviation to pay the bills have no other choice than to feel very alone."

Mr Sunak's statement comes after the Bank of England said it was pumping an extra £150bn into the economy.

The Bank warned the resurgence of Covid-19 would lead to a slower, bumpier recovery.

What happens next?

Just as the last furlough scheme extended long beyond the date that some businesses were allowed to reopen, so we should not infer that furlough till March means lockdown in England till March.

The current measures for England will be lifted on 2 December, but are likely to be replaced by a form of the regional tier system in place until now.

One of the interesting things to watch in the coming weeks will be the effect of lockdown measures on the infection rates.

The hard-hit hospitality industry, in particular, has argued vehemently that the evidence that pubs, bars and restaurants are a major spreader of infection is very thin.

Does shutting hospitality make a huge difference to the spread of infection? The industry says we are about to find out.

How successful has the furlough scheme been?

The furlough scheme was introduced in March and was originally intended to end in May, but Mr Sunak said at the outset that it would be extended "if necessary".

About 9.6 million people have benefited at one time or another, with a steep take-up in the first few months.

However, some have questioned whether all the money has been wisely spent.

HM Revenue and Customs, which administers the furlough scheme, has suggested that up to 10% of the money delivered by the scheme to mid-August - some £3.5bn - may have been paid out in fraud or error.

It is also unclear whether it has genuinely safeguarded viable jobs or merely delayed the inevitable disappearance of unviable ones.

What is your experience of the furlough scheme? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2020-11-05 15:52:00Z
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Sunak to extend furlough scheme to end of March - BBC News

The furlough scheme will be extended across the UK until the end of March, chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed.

Mr Sunak said the scheme will pay up to 80% of a person's wage up to £2,500 a month. He told the Commons that the government will review the policy in January.

The chancellor said his intention was "to give businesses security through the winter".

"The security we are providing will protect millions of jobs," he added.

The furlough scheme subsidises the wages of people who cannot do their jobs, either because their workplace is closed, or because there is no longer enough work for them.

Mr Sunak said it would apply throughout the UK, saying the country had "a Treasury for the whole of the United Kingdom".

• Coronavirus: Am I eligible for the extended furlough scheme?
• Coronavirus: What help are self-employed getting?

As part of the revised scheme, anyone made redundant after 23 September can be rehired and put back on furlough.

More support

Mr Sunak also announced billions of pounds of other support for the economy, including more money for self-employed people.

Support 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.

At the same time, the chancellor raised guaranteed funding for the UK's devolved administrations by £2bn to £16bn.

But, many people will remain ineligible for help, including the newly self-employed, those whose pay themselves in dividends, freelancers, and sole traders who previously had a trading profit of more than £50,000.

'Ridiculed'

Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds accused Mr Sunak of ignoring objections to the government's measures "until the last possible moment".

She pointed out that he had previously "ridiculed" a furlough extension as "a blunt instrument".

But Mr Sunak defended his rapid change of policy, saying: "It is not a weakness to be fast-moving in a crisis, but rather a strength."

This is a change of heart from ministers - and a really significant one. The chancellor and the prime minister did not want to be here.

The furlough scheme was due to end at the start of November. At the weekend, we found out it would last until 2 December. Now it's staying until the end of March.

The government will argue it is necessary because of a changing health picture. They are clearly worried about the economic outlook.

But political opponents have been calling for this for some time and they believe the chancellor has waited too long.

The Treasury has said anyone who was made redundant after 23 September - when the furlough replacement was announced - can be brought back on to the scheme.

But the government will face accusations it should have done this sooner.

Lockdown row

The latest announcement follows several days of wrangling over the scope and duration of the furlough scheme. It was due to end on 31 October, but was then extended to cover the new four-week lockdown in England.

That announcement at the weekend sparked a row with Scotland and Wales, which argued that it was unfair for the full support package to be available only when England is in lockdown.

Magnum Photos

They said the scheme should be on offer if they went into their own full national lockdowns later on.

Welsh Finance Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the new support but said it was "regrettable" that repeated calls to extend the furlough scheme "had not been answered sooner".

Paul Johnson, director of the IFS think tank, said the support did not go far enough, particularly for the self employed, and suggested it had been "dreamt up on the hoof".

Taken aback by ChX statement.

Basically return to March schemes (dreamt up on the hoof in 24 hrs) as if nothing learnt since.

Wasteful & badly targeted for self-employed. No effort at targeting sectors/viable jobs for employees. Big contrast to position just days ago.

— Paul Johnson (@PJTheEconomist) November 5, 2020

However, Howard Archer, chief economic advisor to the EY Item Club, said extending the furlough scheme and the self-employment grant to the end of March provided "important support to the UK economy at a time of heightened uncertainty".

Mr Sunak's statement comes after the Bank of England said it was pumping an extra £150bn into the economy.

The Bank warned the resurgence of Covid-19 would lead to a slower, bumpier recovery.

Fraud worries

More than £50bn has been spent on the furlough scheme since it was introduced in March.

It was originally intended to end in May, but Mr Sunak said at the outset that it would be extended "if necessary".

About 9.6 million people have benefited at one time or another, with a steep take-up in the first few months.

However, some have questioned whether all the money has been wisely spent.

HM Revenue and Customs, which administers the furlough scheme, has suggested that up to 10% of the money delivered by the scheme to mid-August - some £3.5bn - may have been paid out in fraud or error.

It is also unclear whether it has genuinely safeguarded viable jobs or merely delayed the inevitable disappearance of unviable ones.

What is your experience of the furlough scheme? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2020-11-05 14:33:00Z
52781169136690

Sunak to extend furlough scheme to end of March - BBC News

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed that he will extend the furlough scheme across the UK until the end of March.

Mr Sunak said the scheme will pay up to 80% of a person's wage up to £2,500 a month. He told the Commons that the government will review the policy in January.

The chancellor said his intention was "to give businesses security through the winter".

"The security we are providing will protect millions of jobs," he added.

He said the scheme would apply throughout the UK, saying the country had "a Treasury for the whole of the United Kingdom".

• Coronavirus: Am I eligible for the extended furlough scheme?
• Coronavirus: What help are self-employed getting?

As part of the revised scheme, anyone made redundant after 23 September can be rehired and put back on furlough.

More support

Mr Sunak also announced billions of pounds of other support for the economy, including more money for self-employed people.

Support 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.

At the same time, the chancellor raised guaranteed funding for the UK's devolved administrations by £2bn to £16bn.

Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds accused him of ignoring objections to the government's measures "until the last possible moment".

She pointed out that he had previously "ridiculed" a furlough extension as "a blunt instrument".

But Mr Sunak defended his rapid change of policy, saying: "It is not a weakness to be fast-moving in a crisis, but rather a strength."

This is a change of heart from ministers - and a really significant one. The chancellor and the prime minister did not want to be here.

The furlough scheme was due to end at the start of November. At the weekend, we found out it would last until 2 December. Now it's staying until the end of March.

The government will argue it is necessary because of a changing health picture. They are clearly worried about the economic outlook.

But political opponents have been calling for this for some time and they believe the chancellor has waited too long.

The Treasury has said anyone who was made redundant after 23 September - when the furlough replacement was announced - can be brought back on to the scheme.

But the government will face accusations it should have done this sooner.

Lockdown row

The latest announcement follows several days of wrangling over the scope and duration of the furlough scheme. It was due to end on 31 October, but was then extended to cover the new four-week lockdown in England.

That announcement at the weekend sparked a row with Scotland and Wales, which argued that it was unfair for the full support package to be available only when England is in lockdown.

Magnum Photos

They said the scheme should be on offer if they went into their own full national lockdowns later on.

Mr Sunak's statement comes after the Bank of England said it was pumping an extra £150bn into the economy.

The Bank warned the resurgence of Covid-19 would lead to a slower, bumpier recovery.

Fraud worries

More than £50bn has been spent on the furlough scheme since it was introduced in March.

It was originally intended to end in May, but Mr Sunak said at the outset that it would be extended "if necessary".

About 9.6 million people have benefited at one time or another, with a steep take-up in the first few months.

However, some have questioned whether all the money has been wisely spent.

HM Revenue and Customs, which administers the furlough scheme, has suggested that up to 10% of the money delivered by the scheme to mid-August - some £3.5bn - may have been paid out in fraud or error.

It is also unclear whether it has genuinely safeguarded viable jobs or merely delayed the inevitable disappearance of unviable ones.

What is your experience of the furlough scheme? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2020-11-05 13:20:00Z
52781169136690