Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme goes live with promise of payments in six working days

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme application portal has gone live this morning, with the government saying validated claims will receive funds within six working days.

The scheme to protect jobs allows employers to furlough workers whose roles have disappeared during the coronavirus outbreak, with the government covering 80% of their salaries, or up to £2,500 a month.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "Exactly one month ago today I announced the unprecedented decision to step in and help pay people's wages.

"We promised support would be available by the end of April – today, we deliver our promise."

On Friday Sunak had announced that the scheme would be extended by one month, until the end of June. The news came a day after the government confirmed the lockdown would be extended for another three weeks.

The scheme was originally announced on 20 March and opened for three months backdated to 1 March.

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