On Friday 30 October, we published an article on the Job Support Scheme (JSS) which was due to come into effect on 1 November. Now that England will enter new National Restrictions from 5 November, the JSS has been withdrawn.
Extended Furlough Scheme
In its place is a new furlough scheme which will pay employers 80% of the gross salary (up to £2,500 per month) for any staff that they furlough. Employers will be liable for National Insurance and pension contributions. This matches the furlough support that was available in August. The scheme will run until 2nd December, but if National Restrictions are extended, we expect the new furlough support will be extended. The detailed rules have not been announced, and so please keep an eye on our website for updates.
Self-Employment Grant Scheme extension
The government have extended the self-employment scheme. In order to qualify you must have met the previous criteria, and declare that you intend to continue to trade and either:
- are currently actively trading but are impacted by reduced demand due to coronavirus
- were previously trading but are temporarily unable to do so due to coronavirus
The online service for the next grant will be available from 14 December 2020. HMRC will provide full details about claiming in due course.
Business Grants extension
The government also announced business grants for businesses required to close in England. They will be eligible for the following:
- For properties with a rateable value of £15k or under, grants to be £1,334 per month, or £667 per two weeks;
- For properties with a rateable value of between £15k-£51k grants to be £2,000 per month, or £1,000 per two weeks;
- For properties with a rateable value of £51k or over grants to be £3,000 per month, or £1,500 per two weeks.
Our office
Our office will remain open as long as possible during the National Restrictions, but with skeleton staff. Where possible please email your normal Jack Ross contact, and if your personal tax return information is outstanding, where possible please use the online portal that we have developed for you to submit information to us.
And finally, in the past you may have dealt with Louise Brown, one of our administrators. Louise was due to retire next year, but she has taken the decision to retire early. We wish her the very best, and a long and healthy retirement.
If you have questions, please email your usual Jack Ross contact. We hope that you keep safe during these difficult times.