Rishi Sunak needs to bring back furlough – businesses are crying out for help

Businesses are already feeling the impact of omicron and it’s only going to get worse. He may not like it but now is the chancellor’s time to shine, writes James Moore

Sunak might like balanced books but he’s going to have to lump it if he wants to avoid disaster (PA)

So, Rishi Sunak, what’s your plan B? Because you and the Treasury sure as hell need one. Let’s not kid ourselves, we’re on the way towards another lockdown. Or perhaps a lockdown lite.

Omicron is spreading and even if its symptoms are less severe than Delta (possible but not proven) and vaccinations plus boosters are still effective at staving off severe illness and death (here’s hoping), a lot of people are still going to end up in hospital, and more measures to protect the NHS from being overwhelmed are going to be necessary.

That has to include economic support. There’s a case to be made that it should already be in place for the worst affected sectors.