Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended to include more employees

The Government has just announced an extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to include employees that were on their PAYE payroll and furloughed on or before 19th March 2020 (previously the date was 28th February).

The Government has just announced an extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to include employees that were on their PAYE payroll and furloughed on or before 19th March 2020 (previously the date was 28th February). Employers will now qualify to receive the grant for more staff, covering up to 80% of wages (up to the £2,500 cap per month per employee).

News has also been released about the portal which will allow you to process your claim from the Job Retention Scheme. It is hoped that the portal will be live on Monday 20th April and whilst it has been stated you should receive the grant within 4-6 days of making the claim, given the volume of claims, and the fraud prevention checks which have to be carried out, this may take a short while longer.


ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO MAKE A CLAIM?
You must answer 'yes' to the points below to be able to make a claim from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme:
  • Had you created and started a PAYE payroll scheme on or before 19th March 2020?
  • Have you enrolled for PAYE online?
  • Does your business hold a UK bank account?
  • Have you furloughed employees due to the impact of Covid-19 on your business?
  • Had your employee(s) been notified to HMRC through an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before 19 March 2020?
You may find this recorded webinar helpful: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme.

GET YOUR DOCUMENTS READY BEFORE MONDAY
If your business is eligible to make a claim from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, then you need to provide the following information when you access the portal:
  • The bank account number and sort code you’d like us to use when we pay your claim.
  • The name and phone number of the person in your business for us to call with any questions.
  • Your Self-Assessment UTR (Unique Tax Reference), Company UTR or CRN (Company Registration Number).
  • The name, employee number and National Insurance number for each of your furloughed employees.
  • The total amount being claimed for all employees and the total furlough period.

WHO CAN CLAIM ON YOUR BEHALF?
If you use an agent who is authorised to act for you for PAYE purposes, they will be able to make a claim on your behalf, so please speak to them now.
However, if you use a file-only agent (files your RTI return but doesn’t act for you in other matters), they won’t be able to make a claim for you and you’ll need the information listed above from them to make the claim yourself.

Full details of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme


FURLOUGH LETTER TEMPLATE AND FURLOUGH CLAIM CALCULATOR

If you are having to furlough employees and individuals, you must keep records of letters issued, for a period of 5 years. We have template letters you can use - please email Jo (jo@lwaltd.com) in our support team or call 0161 905 1801 if you would like a copy. We must state that they are examples only, and you should confirm with your legal team and / or HR advisor before using them.

We also have a furlough claim calculator (Excel) and guidance on how to use it. Again, please email Jo if you would like to be sent a copy of this.

Covid-19 Annual leave rules


OTHER GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AVAILABLE

For a full list of other Government support available via funding and grants, if you're self-employed, or a business in the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure sector, or if you own a childcare Nursery business and have been impacted by Coronavirus, please click below.

A detailed list of all the Government funding available


ALL OF OUR PREVIOUS UPDATES

Please visit the LWA website and our dedicated Coronavirus Guidance page for all the information you need from clarifications on Government guidance, and how you can protect yourself from the increased amount of fraudulent activity, through to positive ideas to help you and your team get through the lockdown.

Visit our dedicated Coronavirus guidance page



WE'RE STILL HERE TO HELP
We will continue to keep you updated on any additional government guidance and notes issued that we are made aware of. If you have any specific concerns, please feel free to contact a member of our team on 0161 905 1801 in Manchester, or 01925 830 830 in Warrington.