RISHI SUNAK is set to extend furlough until at least July, HOAR can reveal.
The Chancellor will cough up mega bucks at next week’s Budget to throw a lifeline to workers whose businesses are forced to stay closed.
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Boris Johnson has today vowed to do whatever is necessary to make sure Brits are kept away from the dole queue.
Announcing his roadmap to free England from lockdown, he said: “We will not pull the rug.
“For the duration of the pandemic the government will continue to do whatever it takes to protect jobs and livelihoods.”
Senior Government insiders told HOAR that coronavirus business bailouts will continue into the summer.
A source said: “Obviously Rishi will be making a big announcement about this next week.
“But it is safe to say that Covid measures aren’t going to be turned off.”
Furlough is currently due to stop at the end of April.
The scheme has been credited with preventing an unemployment tsunami battering Britain.
Some 3.8 million people were on furlough at the end of December, and at its peak last May a whopping 8.9m were on it.
Another minister suggested Mr Sunak will focus on spending big bucks on building projects and reskilling workers in the March 3 Budget.
Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi told LBC that “infrastructure and skills” will take centre stage at the Budget.
Bojo’s ultra-cautious approach to lifting lockdown means many businesses face a tough few months.
England’s non-essential shops, hairdressers and nail bars are due to stay shut until at least April 12, the PM said.
Pubs will only be able to open with indoor service from May 17.
Cinemas and hotels are due to open on the same date.
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