From 1 July 2021, the rules of the government’s furlough scheme changed to require a small employer contribution. An employee who is still not working will continue to receive a stable 80% of their former working salary, but in the month of July, 10% of that will come from the employer (70% from the government) and come August and September, 20% will be employer-paid (60% government contributed). The furlough scheme is due to close completely in September, bringing to an end 19 months of government subsidies designed to keep workers safely at home.