Sunak Hints at More Help for U.K. Jobs After Furlough Plan Ends

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak gave the strongest hint yet that he’ll support U.K. jobs after the government’s furlough program ends next month, meeting a key demand of business lobbies and the opposition Labour Party.

Sunak, speaking in Parliament after data showed the economy has shed almost 700,000 jobs during the coronavirus-induced recession, acknowledged that businesses need help. He was responding to questions by Treasury Committee Chairman Mel Stride on whether he will provide more assistance beyond Oct. 31.

Rishi Sunak arrives for a meeting of cabinet ministers in London, on Sept. 15.

Photographer: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

“I hope that he will be reassured that throughout this crisis I have not hesitated to act in creative...