Furloughed? How rest of world does it

Here are some of the more generous packages on offer:

1

Japan is spending 234 trillion yen (£1.7tn), in part by covering up to 100% of furloughed workers’ wages. No wonder they have one of the world’s highest levels of government debt.

2

Although it rejected a complete lockdown, Sweden is paying up to 90% of employers’ wage bills – one of the most generous schemes in Europe. 3

But not as generous as the Netherlands, which also covers up to 90% of wages, but has set the cap at an amazing €9,538 (£8,500) a month. The scheme will run until summer 2021.

4

Germany’s kurzarbeit (shorttime work) scheme covers up to 60% of net pay, rising to 67% for parents, to a maximum of €6,700 (£6,100) per month. France covers 70% of gross salary up to €6,927 (£6,400) per month, or 100% of salary for those on minimum wage.