In the wake of more stringent local lockdowns, the Chancellor has this afternoon announced a extension to the Job Support Scheme.
The key elements include:
- The Job Support Scheme is being expanded whereby the Government will pay two thirds of wages for businesses forced to close during local or national lockdowns
- Businesses will receive a maximum of £2100 per month per employee
- Employers will not need to contribute towards wages and will be required to cover NICS and pension contributions only
- To qualify, employees must be unable to work for a minimum of 7 consecutive days
- The new extended scheme will commence on 1 November and last for 6 months (to be reviewed after 3 months)
- The scheme will also apply to businesses yet to reopen due to previous COVID-19 restrictions, such as nightclubs
- For businesses not forced to close, the Job Support Scheme will still be accessible from 1 November but employees will need to be able to work at least a third of their normal hours
- The scheme is intended to be UK-wide
- Full details of today’s extension are still to be published
Should you have any queries on the above or require any employment related advice, please contact Fiona Mendel at [email protected] or on 020 7725 8033 or Head of Employment, Helen Crossland at [email protected] or on 020 7725 8034