Rishi Sunak said in a tweet he will announce a three-part plan to “protect the jobs and livelihoods of the British people” when he speaks to House of Commons at 12:30 pm London time.
Today, ahead of #Budget2021, I spoke to just some of the millions of people who’ve been impacted by coronavirus.… https://t.co/clxpZhaQIt
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) 1614708314000
British media reports indicate Sunak will extend the furlough program, under which the government pays 80 per cent of the wages for private employees unable to work during the pandemic. He also plans to expand grants for self-employed workers, while extending a temporary increase in welfare payments and tax relief for businesses.
While the pandemic has pushed public borrowing to levels not seen since World War II, economists say the stimulus programs need to continue as large parts of the economy remain shut down by restrictions designed to control the pandemic. The government has announced plans to ease lockdown measures following the rapid roll out of COVID-19 vaccines, but many businesses are expected to remain closed until June 21.
More Stories
ZEIT ONLINE | Lesen Sie zeit.de mit Werbung oder im PUR-Abo. Sie haben die Wahl.
Prince Philip funeral: the Queen and Royal family prepare to lay Duke of Edinburgh to rest – latest news
‘I cried because it wasn’t me’