Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Employers can use this scheme to ensure job retention of their employees

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Employers can use the scheme to pay 80% of salaries for employees that would otherwise have been laid off during the coronavirus crisis. HMRC will reimburse 80% of wages, up to £2,500 a month. The scheme covers the cost of wages backdated to 1 March. It is initially open for three months, but will be extended if necessary.

Who can use the scheme?

All UK employers with a PAYE scheme can access this – including public sector, local authorities and charities

When can I access the scheme?

The scheme is not yet live. The government expects the first grants to be paid within weeks, and are aiming for before the end of April.

How do I access the scheme?

  1. You must ask your employees to stop working – designate them as “furloughed workers” and notify your employees of this change. Re-negotiation of employee status could be subject to employment law or individual contracts.
  2. Using the online portal, submit information to HMRC about furloughed employees and their earnings.