This is how everyone can get £10 off dining out at restaurants in August after Rishi Sunak Eat Out to Help Out announced

Half-price meals will be offered to diners eating out every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during August, the Chancellor has announced, in a bid to boost the hospitality sector.

Rishi Sunak said the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme would provide 50% off – up to a maximum of £10 per head – meals at participating businesses across the UK.

Restaurants, cafes and pubs have been severely affected by the coronavirus lockdown, with many staff placed on the Government’s furlough scheme.

But in a bid to encourage customers to return, Mr Sunak told the Commons during his economic update: “I can announce today that, for the month of August, we will give everyone in the country an ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ discount.

“Meals eaten at any participating business, Monday to Wednesday, will be 50% off, up to a maximum discount of £10 per head for everyone, including children. Businesses will need to register, and can do so through a simple website, open next Monday.

“Each week in August, businesses can then claim the money back, with the funds in their bank account within five working days.”

A Treasury document said the discount can be used “unlimited times”.

It will be valid from Monday to Wednesday on any eat-in meal – including non-alcoholic drinks – at any participating restaurant, cafe, pub or other eligible food service establishment across the UK.

Shares in restaurant companies moved higher following the announcement, with shares in Wagamama-owner The Restaurant Group moving 2.6% higher shortly after the Chancellor’s statement.

Here are the other main points announced by the chancellor today:

Jobs Retention Bonus

The Chancellor stuck firm to the October deadline for the job retention furlough scheme to end but said it would be replaced with a new Jobs Retention Bonus.

Employers who bring back furloughed staff and continuously employ them through to January we be paid a £1,000 bonus per employee as long as they are paid at least £520 on average a month.

Apprenticeships

Mr Sunak said employers will be paid £1,000 to take on trainees and up to £2,000 to hire young apprentices.

He also outlined a kickstart scheme which will directly pay employers to create “decent” new jobs for any 16 to 24-year-old at risk of long-term unemployment.

Green deal

The Chancellor confirmed a £2 billion “green homes grant” to help homeowners and landlords with vouchers to make their properties more energy efficient.

VAT cut for hospitality industry

And there was more for the hard-hit hospitality industry as Mr Sunak announced a VAT cut on food, accommodation and attractions from 20% to 5% from July 15 to January 12.

Stamp duty slashed

For the housing market, the Chancellor confirmed that stamp duty was being abolished on transactions below £500,000 until March 31, 2021 – effective immediately.

He said the average stamp duty bill will fall by £4,500 as a result and nearly nine out of 10 people buying a main home this year will pay none at all.