However, many feared the announcement would come too late to save many.

Policy Editor for the BBC's Newsnight tweeted: "Worth remembering: furlough was due to end today and firms have already made decisions accordingly."

North of England corespondant for Sky News Inzamam Rashid wrote: "When

@AndyBurnhamGM was arguing for more cash, or an increase in the furlough scheme from 67 percent wage to 80%, the government were adamant there is no more money available for Greater Manchester. It is not possible.

"Today - national lockdown announced and 80 percent furlough extended."

Pubs and bars will close, but will be allowed to run takeaway services.

You may leave home if you cannot work from home, if you need medical attention, to buy food and other essentials or to give care to others.

Boris added: "Christmas is going to be different this year, perhaps very different. but it's my sincere hope and belief that by taking tough action now we can allow families across the country to be together.

"We will get through this but we must act now to contain this autumn's surge.

"We're not going back to the full scale lockdown of March and April, the measures I've outlined are less restrictive.

"But I'm afraid from Thursday the basic message is the same: Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."