Virus crisis will lead to four million Brits losing their jobs

The coronavirus crisis will force four million into unemployment, according to new estimates.

The work and pensions secretary Therese Coffey told Sky News her department was preparing to support that level of unemployed.

“I think we’re in a number similar in terms of being ready to help people and trying to help them get back to work as quickly as possible,” Ms Coffey said.

“We’re bringing people into the organisation and in a COVID safe way in order to respond to the challenge.

“I genuinely hope we don’t reach, obviously, that figure. But it’s important we are ready to help people.”