Government looking at ‘wage subsidy’ options to replace furlough scheme
The government's job retention scheme is set to end in October, leaving the 9.6 million who have depended on the programme at risk of "mass unemployment."
Rishi Sunak is considering whether to replace the furlough scheme in Britain with a wage subsidies programme, according to The Guardian.
The government’s job retention scheme is set to end in October, leaving the 9.6 million who have depended on the programme at risk of “mass unemployment.”
However, new reports have suggested that the Chancellor is looking to fill the furlough void with a wage subsidy programme instead; whereby the Treasury and companies share the cost of topping up staff wages.
The imminent conclusion of the furlough scheme had set alarm bells ringing even before COVID cases had begun to climb.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that the UK had reached a “perilous turning point” in the fight against the virus, before laying out a raft of new restrictions and regulations designed to flatten the second curve.
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The hospitality sector, once again, has been hit hard by tightened rules – with bars, cafes, restaurants and pubs now required to shut no later than 10pm (with table service only).
Number 10
According to the Financial Times, a variety of new support measures for staff could be on the table.
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However, it is believed the Chancellor is favouring a German-style ‘short work’ system.
This would see employers pay staff when they’re on shift, whilst the Treasury would bump up wages during periods of no work.
An announcement on the scheme is expected within a week.
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The governor of the Bank of England has admitted it might be time for a “rethink” as the furlough end date fast approaches.
Currently, the job retention programme wraps up on 31 October.
With a “tough winter” ahead, surely some other support scheme will need to take its place.
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Manchester GPs can now ‘prescribe’ cost of living support to residents
Emily Sergeant
GPs are now able to offer prescription-style support with the cost of living to residents in Manchester.
It’s no secret that the cost of living crisis has, unfortunately, been continuing to make itself known across the country for the past couple of years, and despite recent Government intervention in the form of new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s series of ‘everyday fixes’, it sadly doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
But now it’s been revealed that Greater Manchester residents can be ‘prescribed’ cost of living support when they visit their local GP.
For patients who patients need help with bills, debts, benefits, or affording food, GPs can now provide them with details of Manchester’s free cost of living advice line.
That means that, for anyone whose mental or physical health is being affected by financial worries, GPs can simply tear a page that contains all the details they need for the advice line from a block that looks like a prescription pad, and hand it to the patient.
Alternatively, the GP can also ‘refer’ the patient straight into the service online in a similar way to making a referral to a specialist or consultant.
Manchester GPs can now ‘prescribe’ cost of living support to residents / Credit: Towfiqu Barbhuiya | Mylo Kaye (via Unsplash)
Once a resident makes contact with the free cost of living advice line – which started back in October 2022, and has helped thousands of people since – they can receive a wide range of advice on issues like energy costs and rent, to help with getting online, and so much more.
The Council also says that recent figures show there is an increasing number of calls or requests around help with rent or benefits and support with food or foodbanks, which is why it has chosen to introduce this ‘innovate’ move.
“We don’t want anyone to feel like they are becoming lost under competing financial pressures, worries about putting food on the table, or keeping a roof over their heads,” commented Cllr Tracey Rawlins, who is the Deputy Leader at Manchester City Council.
“We really want to help before worries become a problem,” she added. “The team on the advice line keep all information in confidence and they want to help.”
Featured Image – Vitaly Gariev (via Unsplash)
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Teenage boy rushed to hospital after third Manchester Arndale stabbing this month
Daisy Jackson
A teenage boy has been taken to hospital with potentially life-changing injuries after a reported stabbing outside Manchester Arndale.
It’s the third time this month that a knife attack has taken place at the popular shopping centre, in the heart of the city.
Two other teenage boys, aged 16 and 14, have been arrested on suspicion of affray – they remain in custody for questioning.
The teenage boy who was found on Market Street after reports of a stabbing was taken to hospital with injuries that may be life-threatening.
A huge police response was pictured outside Manchester Arndale last night, with a lift outside Rollers Cafe cordoned off.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Officers responded to reports of a stabbing on Market Street outside the Arndale Centre at 7pm last night (October 27, 2026). A teenage boy was found and taken to hospital with potentially life-changing injuries.
“Two boys, aged 16 and 14, have been arrested on suspicion of affray and remain in custody for questioning. Inquiries are ongoing.”
It’s the third incident involving knives at the Manchester Arndale in the last fortnight.
On 17 October, a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with stab wound injuries after an attack in the Manchester Arndale car park.
Two other 14-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
Then on 24 October, emergency services were called to reports of an assault involving a knife, with two teenagers again arrested.
The Manc -
23rd September 2020 
