Rishi Sunak has announced new plans to cover the wages of pub and restaurant workers in businesses forced to shut as part of the new local lockdown measures.
The Treasury will cover two-thirds of pay packets up to £2,100, in what will be seen by some as a continuation of the current furlough scheme.
Businesses required to close will also be eligible for grants of up £3,000 per month.
Sunak suggested this “will provide a safety net for businesses across the UK who are required to temporarily close their doors, giving them the right support at the right time”.