The government launched the coronavirus job retention scheme (CJRS) on 20 April, opening a new online portal for claims. HMRC has allocated 5,000 staff to man phone lines and webchat services for queries from claimants.
On 17 April, the chancellor announced a one-month extension to the period during which the government will cover payments in respect of furloughed workers under the scheme, until 30 June.
This followed an earlier announcement that the eligibility cut-off date for furloughed employees to be registered on their employer’s payroll would be extended to 19 March 2020. Employees must have been on the payroll and notified to HMRC on a PAYE RTI submission on or before this date to qualify for the scheme. This change from the original date of 28 February is intended to bring more employees within the scope of the scheme, while minimising the opportunity for fraudulent claims. The scheme was first announced on 20 March.
HMRC has made corresponding changes to its guidance.
The British Chambers of Commerce latest weekly survey shows 71% of respondents have now furloughed staff. Of these, 30% said they had furloughed between 75% and 100% of their workforce. The survey received responses from 678 UK businesses.
The government launched the coronavirus job retention scheme (CJRS) on 20 April, opening a new online portal for claims. HMRC has allocated 5,000 staff to man phone lines and webchat services for queries from claimants.
On 17 April, the chancellor announced a one-month extension to the period during which the government will cover payments in respect of furloughed workers under the scheme, until 30 June.
This followed an earlier announcement that the eligibility cut-off date for furloughed employees to be registered on their employer’s payroll would be extended to 19 March 2020. Employees must have been on the payroll and notified to HMRC on a PAYE RTI submission on or before this date to qualify for the scheme. This change from the original date of 28 February is intended to bring more employees within the scope of the scheme, while minimising the opportunity for fraudulent claims. The scheme was first announced on 20 March.
HMRC has made corresponding changes to its guidance.
The British Chambers of Commerce latest weekly survey shows 71% of respondents have now furloughed staff. Of these, 30% said they had furloughed between 75% and 100% of their workforce. The survey received responses from 678 UK businesses.
