Young apprentice plumber tells how he was happy to be put on furlough so he can 'relax'

A young apprentice plumber has told Radio 4's Today programme how he was happy to be put on furlough so he can rest, before heading back to work in August.

Will Keeling was one of three young people who appeared on the BBC's flagship radio show this morning to discuss the raft of measures set out by Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday.

Mr Sunak unveiled a range of new policies he hopes will boost the struggling economy, such as a furloughed staff will be given a £1,000 bonus to keep workers in jobs and diners will get a discount to support pubs and restaurants.

Mr Keeling who watched the Chancellor's mini-budget yesterday and is currently furloughed said he was 'not too worried at the minute.'

Chancellor Rishi Sunak (right) speaks to employees during his visit to Worcester Bosch factory to promote his plan for jobs announced yesterday

'I feel like I'm financially stable and ok. When I first got told I was going to be furloughed I was quite happy about it really because I was working and I was just a bit tired, I wanted a little break from it.

'And as soon as that first month went by I thought it was alright. After a bit it's like 'I could do with going to work.

Sunak's 'mini-Budget' package at a glance A radical plan to pay the wages of up to 300,000 young people on Universal Credit if businesses agree to take them on for at least six months; A £2billion scheme to subsidise home insulation and other environmental upgrades that ministers hope will support more than 100,000 jobs; A temporary cut in VAT which is expected to be focused on struggling sectors like hospitality; Schools, hospitals and other public buildings are to get £1billion to make them greener and more energy efficient; Some £50million to fund retrofitting of social housing with insulation, double glazing and heat pumps; Nature conservation schemes given £40million to plant trees, clean up rivers and create new green spaces. Advertisement

'But I'm quite a happy chappy really, I've got all my college stuff almost done, so I can relax until I come back into work at the start of August.'

Mr Keeling was also asked about the Chancellor's new "eat out to help out" plan for dining out in August to boost the hospitality sector, with a 50% discount per head from Monday to Wednesday up to a maximum discount of £10 per diner.

He was asked if this was something he would be taking advantage of: ''No me personally, no I wouldn't. I can't afford most things now.

'I,m only just managing to pay the bills. I haven't got enough money to even go out and enjoy myself.'

Lauren Henderson, who recently graduated from University of Plymouth with an acting degree, was also asked if she would

She said: 'Personally no, I'm unemployed and the moment and looking for jobs anywhere. And for someone who doesn't have loads of money laying around I just can't spend money on a meal out, and also I don't know how safe I feel still going into a restaurant at the moment.

'And I know the government want to say pubs, restaurants, bar etc can open if its safe but I also I'm not stupid and I know, the economy at some point needs to kickstart back in.'

Ms Henderson was also asked about her hopes for the future, and displayed concerns for the struggling theatre industry, that still has no concrete date for reopening.

She said: 'For me there is a sense of hope that there are obviously going to be more jobs but it seems to me like these jobs are in sectors that aren't in my field.

'I'm looking for a job anywhere at the moment. but long term the theatre industry I'm not going to get a job, working in theatres for a long time.'

The jobs bonus was the biggest ticket item in the £30billion package announced today - which comes on top of the £160billion already pumped into the economy by the government

Mr Sunak also announced a £2billion 'Kickstart' scheme to create more jobs for young people.

He said the fund will subsidise six-month work placements for people on Universal Credit aged between 16 and 24, who are deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment.

Jordan Stanford, who's just finished a BTEC at West Nottinghamshire College, was positive about the Chancellor's plans for six-month placements and further training.

He said: 'When I first started my level three, we actually had to do a work placement anyway, it's mandatory.

'So having an ability to say I could go and do a six month placement that is paid for and puts no burden on the employer whatsoever, I think that's beneficial for both companies who can get employees in and also people looking for employment can join companies.

'The six month period will also cover and typical probation period of employment, which means people are more likely to maybe try new employees or a different sector of that business, more likely to take the risk.'

Also announced by Mr Sunak yesterday was a £3 billion green package, with grants for homeowners and public buildings to improve energy efficiency.

He also confirmed plans to abolish stamp duty on properties up to £500,000 in England and Northern Ireland.

And slashed VAT on food, accommodation and attractions from 20% to 5%, a tax cut worth up to £4 billion.