Support for businesses through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers will be able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those employees that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis.
Eligibility
All UK businesses are eligible.
How to access the scheme
You will need to:
- designate affected employees as ‘furloughed workers,’ and notify your employees of this change – changing the status of employees remains subject to existing employment law and, depending on the employment contract, may be subject to negotiation
- submit information to HMRC about the employees that have been furloughed and their earnings through a new online portal (HMRC will set out further details on the information required)
HMRC will reimburse 80% of furloughed workers wage costs, up to a cap of £2,500 per month. HMRC are working urgently to set up a system for reimbursement. Existing systems are not set up to facilitate payments to employers.
If your business needs short term cash flow support, you may be eligible for a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan.
Furloughed workers
If your employer cannot cover staff costs due to COVID-19, they may be able to access support to continue paying part of your wage, to avoid redundancies.
If your employer intends to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, they will discuss with you becoming classified as a furloughed worker. This would mean that you are kept on your employer’s payroll, rather than being laid off.
To qualify for this scheme, you should not undertake work for them while you are furloughed. This will allow your employer to claim a grant of up to 80% of your wage for all employment costs, up to a cap of £2,500 per month.
You will remain employed while furloughed. Your employer could choose to fund the differences between this payment and your salary, but does not have to.
If your salary is reduced as a result of these changes, you may be eligible for support through the welfare system, including Universal Credit.
HMRC intend for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to run for at least 3 months from 1 March 2020, but will extend if necessary.
To find out more about Plus Payroll Services you can visit our website at www.pluspay.uk.com or you can call us on 03333 110 222 and speak to a helpful customer service advisor.
*This document is not a substitute for specific legal, accounting or other professional advice or opinions on related matters and issues that arise and should not be taken as providing specific advice on any of the topics discussed.
The information contained herein has been prepared by using sources believed to be reliable. Whilst reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the facts stated herein are accurate, no representation or warranty, express or implied is made by Plus Payroll Services Limited, with respect to completeness, correctness, reasonableness or accuracy of any information and opinions contained herein.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, liability for any negligent or innocent statement or misstatement in respect of the contents of, or any omission from this document are hereby expressly excluded. Plus Payroll Services Limited has no obligation or liability whatsoever with respect to the information provided or any action or inaction of Plus Payroll Services Limited or the recipient with respect to such information.