COVID-19 – Update 20 April – Furlough Job Retention Scheme – now open for online claims

We are now able to make claims on our client’s behalf where we provide them with a fully managed payroll service. In almost all cases the HMRC authorisation is already in place, but there is a quick authorisation process for the few that need to be set up. All other clients will need to make their own claims via their online PAYE account with HMRC, but we can assist with the manual furlough calculations. We have already submitted claims for some of our clients and it seems to be working as expected.

HMRC has announced this morning that you can now claim online for a grant for 80% of your furloughed employees’ salaries, up to a maximum of £2,500 per employee, per month, through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

This scheme will be open until 30 June 2020 (the duration of the scheme was recently extended by a month, from the original end date of 31 May).

Before you make a claim:

• please read all the available detailed guidance on GOV.UK before you apply
• gather all the information and the precise calculations you need before you start your application – we can help you with this.
• you can find out more in the calculation guidance where you can access a claim calculator – this will allow you to check your claim for most employees who are paid the same amount each pay period
• access the attached HMRC step-by-step guide for additional help.

After you’ve made a claim:

• keep a note or a print-out of your claim reference number – you won’t receive a confirmation SMS or email
• retain all records and calculations for your claims, in case HMRC need to contact you about them
• HMRC expect you to receive the funds six working days after you apply, provided your claim matches records that they hold for your PAYE scheme – HMRC urge you not to contact them before this time
• to receive payment by 30‌‌ April, you will need to complete an application by 22‌‌ April

HMRC stress that they will check claims made through the scheme and will act to protect public money against anyone who makes a claim using dishonest or fraudulent information.

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