Thousands more workers are now able to benefit from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme after the eligibility date was extended from 28 February to 19th March. Under the scheme employers can claim a grant for 80% of the wages (up to a cap of £2,500).
“I welcome the announcement and demonstration that the Government is continuing to monitor and amend policy to ensure the maximum number of people can benefit from the support announced. I know that there are people in Runnymede and Weybridge who missed out on the original scheme as they started work in early March. By extending the eligibility of the Jobs Retention Scheme employers will now be able to claim support for them to be furloughed, providing further support to both employees and business.” – Dr Ben Spencer
The changes come following a review of the scheme which aimed to ensure as many people as possible could benefit from the Government’s support package. The extension means employers can now claim for furloughed employees who were on their PAYE payroll for an additional 20 day period.
To be eligible the employee must have been notified to HMRC through the RTI system on or before 19 March 2020. The eligibility date has not changed for staff that an employer is considering rehiring in order to furlough them, and these employees must still have been on the payroll before the 28th February.
The changes are expected to benefit an additional 200,000 employees.
HMRC have been working tirelessly to set up the systems needed to deliver the scheme, which is due to be operational next week. More information for employers on how to claim through the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme is available here.
