Job retention scheme closing to new entrants

HMRC is reminding businesses that Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will close to new entrants on 30 June.

In addition, From 1 July, employees will no longer have to be furloughed for a minimum period of three weeks.

From this date the CJRS will have more flexibility to allow claims on a pro rata basis. Employers will be able to permit employees to work some of the week and be furloughed for the rest.

An employee needs to have been furloughed for at least three consecutive weeks between 1 March and 30 June to be eligible for furlough from 1 July. Additionally, after 1 July, employers will be subject to a cap on the number of CJRS claims they are able to make.

The CJRS changes have effect from 1 July until the closure of the scheme on 31 October.

Parents returning from statutory maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, shared parental leave and bereavement leave are exempt from the CJRS changes. The Treasury recently announced that parents who are returning to work over the coming months will be eligible for the CJRS despite the scheme closing to new entrants on 30 June.

Additionally, from 1 August, the level of the grant will be reduced each month.

More information on the changes can be found here.