British Prime Minister Boris Johnson argued that the job-retention, furlough, scheme couldn’t be extended due to its potential negative impact on the economy in the long term.
“I think people need to recognise that the particular restrictions that furlough places on you are not, in the long-term, healthy either for the economy or for you as an employee,” Johnson said in an interview with the Evening Standard newspaper.
Regarding the reopening of pubs, “follow the guidance and have responsibly,” Johnson recommended.
Market reaction
These comments don’t seem to be having a significant impact on market sentiment. As of writing, the UK’s FTSE 100 Index was up 1.02% on a daily basis at 6,221 points.