More support for hard-hit businesses expected as Johnson set to delay end of Covid curbs

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to delay a further easing of Covid-19 restrictions by several weeks on Monday following concerns about a rapid rise in Delta variant infections.

Under a so-called “road map” outlined by Johnson in February, the government said most social restrictions would be lifted “no earlier” than June 21, when pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and other hospitality venues could fully reopen.

But in recent weeks there has been fast growth in new cases caused by the Delta variant, first discovered in India. Health officials believe it is 60 per cent more transmissible than the previous dominant strain and scientists have warned that it could trigger a third wave of infections.

Johnson has not denied suggestions in the media that the end of lockdown would be delayed by up to a month, saying in recent days there was “serious concern” about rising infections and hospitalisations.

Junior health minister Ed Argar said on Monday he expected Johnson would announce more aid for business and let parliament have a say if there was a delay in easing capacity constraints.

“I know that when he addresses his decision, sets out what he intends to do around the easing on the 21st, he will address those points as well,” Argar told Sky News.

“He is very mindful of the need for businesses and others to get the support they need if they continue to be locked down or unable to open,” Argar added.

Britain’s furlough programme supports just over 2 million jobs and is due to continue until the end of September. But from July employers will have to pay 10% of furloughed staff’s wages, rising to 30% in September.

The hospitality industry has also called for an extension of other sector-specific aid.

On Sunday, Britain recorded 7,490 new Covid-19 cases and eight deaths, with new infections rising almost 50 per cent between June 7 and 13 compared with the previous week. Hospitalisations were up 15 per cent between June 2 and 8 compared with the previous seven days.