BUSINESSES across the county have welcomed the government's decision to extend its coronavirus furlough scheme with some saying it will be the difference between staying open and going out of business.

Members of county business network, the Worcestershire 1000, which boasts 426 members, welcomed the scheme which allows firms to furlough employees with the government paying cash grants of 80 per cent of their wages.

Sharon Smith, chief executive of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Worcestershire 1000, said: “It is fantastic to see that the Chancellor has extended the coronavirus job retention scheme.

"We have worked tirelessly to urge Government to extend this scheme to protect cash-strapped businesses.

"This is a huge win for businesses and will allow them to take a huge sigh of relief, knowing they will not be forced into making redundancies at this critical moment.”

Sue Crow, member of the Worcestershire 1000 team said: "The Chancellor’s announcement that the scheme was to be extended was welcomed by our members across Worcestershire.

"Many members of the Worcestershire 1000 network are small businesses and many from the county’s hospitality and tourism sector who have also been supported by the Business Support Grants which have been distributed by district councils across the county, we are asking members who think that they may qualify to get in touch with their district council.

"We continue to work closely with our partners to provide our members with support and advice.

"It is very clear that a One Worcestershire approach is essential during these most challenging of times."

One Worcestershire is a partnership of private sector companies and public sector organisations from across the county who work together to support the local economy and promote Worcestershire businesses.