Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement of an extension to the furlough scheme (JRS), Edwin Morgan, Director of Policy at the Institute of Directors, said:

“A furlough extension will bring significant relief to employers and workers across the country.

“We’re delighted the Treasury has taken on the IoD’s consistent calls for a flexible furlough. Many firms will be operating far below normal capacity for the foreseeable future. A part-time furlough provides a much-needed launch ramp so businesses can start to get back up to speed. A more flexible approach will allow firms to raise activity levels in tandem with demand, helping to avoid cashflow challenges.

"We now need further clarity around employers' contributions. Many firms that would normally be on strong footing are still in dire straits.

“The extension puts yet more onus on helping those who have been left out in the cold. Countless small company directors have found scant support, and government shouldn’t turn a blind eye to them.”