Hospitality businesses like pubs, clubs and restaurants will lose “far” more than half a million jobs by Christmas unless Rishi Sunak announces a new support scheme, industry chiefs warned today.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls warned the 10pm curfew, local lockdown restrictions and inadequate government support will tip stricken venues over the edge.

And she said the 10pm curfew had a “severe and devastating impact” – especially on restaurants and hotels which can no longer have two sittings a night.

She sounded the alert as furlough ends on October 31 – and is replaced with a less generous Job Support Scheme.

From November 1 the government will pay up to 22% of wages for workers who come back part time.

But Ms Nicholls said it was not enough – as firms must pay 55% of wages for staff on just a third of their hours.