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Greater Manchester mayor joins scientists in saying R rate and infection numbers are still too high
- Covid-19 ‘spreading too fast to lift England lockdown’
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The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced on Friday that the furlough scheme will come to an end at the end of October. From August, businesses will have to pay national insurance and pension contributions, then 10% of salaries in September, rising to 20% in October.
Related: Rishi Sunak confirms furlough scheme to be gradually withdrawn
Related: UK’s most vulnerable people at risk of losing 60% of their income
The furlough scheme has protected millions of jobs and incomes, but the failure to give additional protection for the shielded group means there is still a major missing piece of the puzzle. Many in this group fear their jobs will be the first to go as the scheme starts to wind down.
One in 10 people who are clinically extremely vulnerable are continuing to work outside the home despite the risk to their health, and thousands more are struggling to make ends meet because they have been denied furlough. No one should face this impossible choice.