Applying for the Job Retention Scheme

The Chancellor announced on 29th May next steps for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. From 1st July, businesses will have the flexibility to bring furloughed workers back part time, and from August the level of government grant provided will be slowly reduced to reflect people's increased ability to return to work. The Government will continue to pay 80% of furloughed employees salaries for June and July and then businesses will be asked to contribute a share of this in the following months but ensuring the employee continues to receive 80% of their salary when not working.  Information on changes to both the scheme can found here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-self-employment-support-scheme-and-confirms-furlough-next-steps

 

Employers in Wealden can now claim online for a grant for 80% of their furloughed employees’ salaries, up to a maximum of £2,500 per employee, per month, through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. 

On the 12th May 2020, The Chancellor extended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until the end of October.  Furloughed worked across the UK will continue to receive 80% of their current salary up to £2,500, and new flexibility will be introduced from August to get employees back to work and boost the economy.  For further information please see https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-furlough-scheme-until-october

More than 285,000 businesses nationwide have already applied for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme since it went live on Monday 20 April. 

Before employers claim, they need to:

  • Read all the available guidance on GOV.UK before applying;
  • Gather all the information and the precise calculations they need before starting their application. If they have a payroll provider, they will be able to help them with this;
  • Employers can find out more in the calculation guidance where they can access a claim calculator. This will allow them to check their claim for most employees who are paid the same amount each pay period;
  • Access our simple, step-by-step guide on GOV.UK for additional help.

To receive payment by 30 April, employers will need to complete an application by 22 April.

After employers have made a claim, they should:

  • Keep a note or print-out of their claim reference number – they will not receive a confirmation SMS or email;
  • Retain all records and calculations for their claims;
  • Expect to receive the funds six working days after they apply, provided their claim matches records that HMRC hold for their PAYE scheme.
  • Ask their furloughed employees not to contact HMRC directly - they will not be able to provide them with any information on individual claims.

HMRC will check claims made through the scheme and will act to protect public money against anyone who makes a claim using dishonest or fraudulent information. 

It is important that all employers protect their own credentials and be aware of potential scammers and opportunist criminal activity.

Accessing the system

HMRC noticed that some people have had difficulty accessing the system because they do not have an active PAYE enrolment. In order to make a claim they will need to:

  • have a Government Gateway (GG) ID and password – if they don’t already have a GG account, they can apply here, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for 'HMRC services: sign in or register';
  • be enrolled for PAYE online – if they aren’t registered yet, they can do so now, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for 'PAYE Online for employers'.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Calculator

We are updating the online calculator tool so that it covers more employment circumstances this afternoon. The update will mean that employers can use it to work out what they can claim for most employees who are paid irregular amounts each pay period, as well as those who are paid fixed amounts.

Webinars now available

To support businesses, HMRC have been offering live webinars on a variety of Covid-19 related topics, including the Job Retention Scheme and how to make a JRS claim.

Employers can book a place on the 'how to' JRS webinars here.

They can book a place on any of the other webinars or watch a recording on HMRC’s YouTube channel

If employers have already made a claim

Employers should retain all records and calculations for their claims, in case HMRC need to contact them. Provided their claim is made in accordance with HMRC’s published guidance, they can expect to receive the funds six working days after their application. They should not contact HMRC before this time.

HMRC will check claims made through the scheme and will act to protect public money against anyone who makes a claim using dishonest or fraudulent information.