Uncertainty remains for some businesses as furlough comes comes to an end, with many still benefitting from the scheme.

Travel agents across the country, including those in Cumbria are among the industries that are uneasy about the end of the £70 billion scheme that has supported millions of workers over the last 18 months.

The owner of one travel agents in Cockermouth said the ending of the scheme will have an impact on the business.

"It's disappointing", said Owner of Cockermouth Travel, Paul Cusack.

"It would be fantastic if it continued, but we understand that it's not a bottomless pit for the government to keep shelling out and at some point we need to be able to stand on our own two feet.

"But, in order to do that we need more help. The more that they drop the hoops that customers have to jump through in order to travel, then the busier we will get and we will have the ability to stand on our own two feet.

"Business hasn't returned to pre-covid levels and up until today, I did have staff that were taking advantage of the furlough scheme.

"My wage bill is going to go through the roof from now onwards and business won't return to pre-covid levels for months."

Bloomberg reported that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to announce a new programme of grants to help poorer households cope with the cost of living over the winter.

Conservative MP for Carlisle said that furlough has been a "fantastic success".

"It has given support to businesses over the last 18 months, which has had a huge impact on maintaining high levels of employment and avoiding high levels of unemployment.

"But, it has to end at some point. There will never be a perfect date for it to end and I support the government in what they have done and acknowledge that this is now a time to get back to normal."