Boris Johnson warns 'long, long way to go' for UK economy

Boris Johnson has warned the country is facing "bumpy months ahead" observing an increase in unemployment in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Current figures reveal many of the 730,000 people who have been taken off UK payrolls have not yet started hunting for work - but the UK's unemployment rate has not grown as feared.

The Office for National Statistics said payrolls had reduced by 730,000 since March, though unemployment was steady at 3.9% - despite predictions it would hit around 4.2%.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Herefordshire, the Prime Minister said the government was committed to making the "colossal investments" needed to rebuild the economy.

He said, "We always knew that this was going to be a very tough time for people.

"What we are going to have to do is to keep going with our plan to 'build, build, build' and build back better, and ensure that we make the colossal investments that we can now make in the UK economy to drive jobs and growth.

"Obviously what we want to see is a return to economic vitality and health. Some parts of the economy are undoubtedly showing great resilience but clearly, there are going to be bumpy months ahead and a long, long way to go."

Around 9.6 million people have been put on the government's furlough scheme at some point since March but the policy is due to end in October.