The latest Government updates Covid-19

HMRC has updated its guidance with information about how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is changing.  

Employers will have until 31st July to make any claims in respect of the period to 30th June. As of 1^st July, employers can bring back to work employees that have previously been furloughed for any amount of time and any shift pattern, while still being able to claim CJRS grant for their normal hours not worked. When claiming the CJRS grant for furloughed hours; employers will need to report and claim for a minimum period of a week.

The scheme will close to new entrants from 30th June 2020. From this point onwards, employers will only be able to furlough employees that they have furloughed for a full 3-week period prior to 30th June.

Further guidance on flexible furloughing and how employers should calculate claims will be published on the week commencing 15^th June. Find out more about the Job Retention Scheme by visiting the Gov.uk website.

Extension to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

The self-employment income support scheme has now been extended, allowing individuals to claim a second and final grant when the scheme opens again in August 2020.

The scheme currently allows you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £7,500 in total.

If you’re eligible and want to claim the first grant you must claim on or before 13th July 2020. Find out more here.

Non-essential shops re-opening                                

Non-essential shops in England can open from Monday 15^th June, with the business secretary, Alok Sharma, saying the move will “allow high streets up and down the country to spring back to life”.

Car showrooms and outdoor markets were allowed to reopen earlier this month and other retailers will now be able to follow suit, provided they comply with government safety guidelines and carry out a risk assessment.

Sharma said his department would publish similar guidelines for other businesses including pubs and restaurants shortly, but that the government continues to work towards the date of 4th July as the earliest opening date for the hospitality industry.

To keep up to date with relevant industry updates click here.