THE Chancellor is set to announce that once the national lockdown is over, workers in Tier 3 areas will retain 80 per cent furlough payments, it has been reported.

In an announcement expected today, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce that once Lockdown 2 is over, the areas still covered by the strictest regulations will keep the higher furlough payments.

The 80 per cent furlough scheme was extended for the initial month long lockdown which started today and is hoped to finish on December 2.

When the Government's flagship tiered system was first introduced, furloughed workers would only receive 67 per cent of their salary if they were unable to work, but it is expected this will rise to 80 per cent in today's announcement.

It has been reported this move was announced to MPs by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

This would protect thousands of jobs in Bradford, particularly in the hospitality industry which is being hit hard by Covid-19 restrictions, with pubs, restaurants and hotels ordered to close this month in the national lockdown, except for takeaways.

Mr Sunak is expected to make the announcement at midday.