The Tory Chancellor is expected to make an announcement this afternoon on a new “local furlough” scheme – which could give pubs and restaurants required to shut two thirds of staff wages

 Coronavirus lockdown : The new rules that could be announced for parts of EnglandCoronavirus lockdown : The new rules that could be announced for parts of England

Rishi Sunak is set to make an announcement today on how to support thousands of businesses that are expected to be shut in parts of northern England.

The Chancellor is expected to give an update this afternoon on how to support businesses through the months ahead.

It comes as pubs and restaurants in some northern cities are expected to be shut as they are put in the highest tier of a new “three-tier” local lockdown system.

The system is due to be announced on Monday and would go further than current local lockdowns for the worst-hit cities.

A Treasury source said the Chancellor will be “setting out the next stage of the Job Support scheme later today”.