PEOPLE unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic will learn today (Tuesday) whether the Government is prepared to continue paying their wages.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is to make a statement concerning the job retention scheme amid calls to extend it beyond next month.

Currently the taxpayer is funding furlough pay of 80 per cent of employees' wages up to £2,500 a month while they are temporarily on leave from their employment.

The scheme, which supports more than 6million people, is due to run until the end of June, with Mr Sunak warning that it is "not sustainable" at the current rate.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that people should return to work where possible.

Mr Sunak, who has promised there will be no "cliff edge" end to the scheme, is making a statement later today.