UK announces new plan to help workers hit by pandemic

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s treasury chief has announced a new income support program for workers hurt by the coronavirus pandemic as the government races to prevent widespread layoffs when earlier employer subsidies end next month.  Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled his plan Thursday to subsidize the wages of workers whose hours are cut due to the pandemic as part of a wider package of measures to help businesses and bolster the economy. The plan comes in response to pressure from businesses and labor unions for the government to step in with more direct support for people in precarious work situations. The announcement comes as COVID-19 cases continue to soar across the U.K., which has the deadliest outbreak in Europe.