The furlough scheme closes today (Thursday 30 September), amid media reports of uncertainty ahead for people who have not yet returned to work. Nearly one million workers were expected to be on the scheme at the end of September, according to estimates by the Office for National Statistics.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, it has helped pay the wages of 11.6 million workers. For claims relating to August and September 2021, the government has been paying 60% of wages up to a maximum cap of £1,875 for the hours the employee is on furlough.

Many forecasters, including the Bank of England, are expecting a small rise in unemployment as it ends.  The chancellor has said he was “immensely proud” of the near £70bn scheme, but now was the right time to close it.

Deadlines: Claims for September 2021 must be submitted by 14 October 2021 and any amendments must be made by 28 October 2021.