Chancellor Rushi Sunak has reassured workers that there will be no "cliff-edge" cut off to the furlough scheme, in a warning that the initiative has already cost the Treasury £8billion.
It comes as ministers revealed the Job Retentions Scheme (JRS) is now covering nearly a quarter of UK jobs - 23% of the employed workforce.
About 2.5million people registered for the scheme last week, bringing the total claims to 6.3million. Under the initiative, the Government will fund 80% of workers' wages, up to £2,500 a month.
A total of £8billion has been issued so far, with an average payout of £1,269 - about half of the £2,500 maximum. The scheme is due to run through June, suggesting the total cost could exceed £30billion.
Read more on mirror.co.uk