- Furlough will continue until September, with no change of terms. After July, businesses will be asked for a 10% contribution, rising to 20% in August and September.
- Support for the self-employed will also continue until September. 600,000 self-employed people excluded from the government’s support package so far will be able to claim direct cash grants as part of an extension to the SEISS.
- The National Living Wage will rise to £8.91 from April
- The 5% reduced rate of VAT will be extended for six months to 30 September followed by interim rate of 12.5% for another six months. The standard rate will not return until April next year.
- Contactless Payment – From today, the maximum amount that can be paid through contactless payment will be raised from £45 to £100.
- Alcohol Duty – No increases this year
- Fuel Duty – No increases this year
- Help to Grow: Management – The government will offer a new UK-wide management programme to upskill 30,000 SMEs in the UK over three years. The programme will be over 12 weeks, and 90% subsidised by government.