BUSINESS leaders have welcomed news the jobs furlough scheme will be extended but warned certainty on when they can reopen is needed.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed the furlough scheme set up in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak is to be extended until the end of March.

Mr Sunak said the Government’s highest priority remains “to protect jobs and livelihoods”.

He had previously extended the furlough throughout November due to the second national lockdown in England.

Business leaders in Essex have welcomed the news but warned firms still face a tough winter ahead.

Sam Good, manager of Our Colchester Business Improvement District, said clarity was needed on when firms would be able to reopen.

He said: “The job retention scheme is having the biggest impact. With so many independent businesses in Colchester we have not got employers with hundreds of staff.

“They are employing a mini family and it is very tough for any business to have to lay people off.

“But they need clarity and confidence on if this will end in December and if we can reopen in tier two or tier one ideally.

“It would make such a difference to the town centre and what business will look like in the future. If we don’t open in December it will be a whole different ball game.”

Mr Good also urged people in Colchester to shop local where they can this Christmas.

David Burch, from the Essex Chambers of Commerce, echoed calls for clarity on lockdown.

He said: “We welcome the announcement but what we want to see is the Government develop a clearer picture of how things are going to be bit just next month but beyond.

“We want to see how we can try and get back to the old normal as soon as we can.”

Mr Burch warned despite the furlough scheme and grants to help business not all will survive the winter.

He added: “We have a lot of excellent businesses in Essex and we would urge people to shop local to ensure they can stay on our high streets.”