Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering options for extending the UK Government’s furlough scheme that include reducing cover of workers wages from 80 per cent to 60 per cent.
As the Daily Record previously reported, that level of cut could drag households into stark choices over “heating or eating”.
At least 6.3 million people are currently having up to 80 per cent of their wages paid by the taxpayer - up to £2,500 per month, under the UK Government Job Retention Scheme at a cost of some £8 billion.
Mr Sunak has previously said he was preparing to "wean" workers and businesses off the programme - which currently runs until June 30 - but calls have been made for it to be prolonged.