The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will go live from 8am on Monday 20 April. We want to make sure employers are ready to make a claim, and we would be very grateful if you could share the following information with your colleagues, members, and clients.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)
We have now published updated guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, further guidance on how to calculate a claim, and a simple, step-by-step guide on GOV.UK.
We are hoping these guides significantly reduce the number of people needing to call us – nearly everyone should be able to self serve – this will leave our lines open for those who need our help most.
There will also be a calculator available when the system goes live on Monday, allowing employers to check their calculations online before making a claim.
Employers should have all their information and calculations ready before beginning their application. They should retain all records and calculations, in case we need to contact them.
Employees should not contact HMRC about the CJRS. If they have any questions, they should speak to their employer.
You will have also seen that, following the extension of the coronavirus lockdown measures yesterday, the Chancellor has announced the Job Retention Scheme has been extended for a month, allowing employers to furlough workers until the end of June. You can read the news story on GOV.UK.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is part of a collective national effort to protect jobs. The money has come from UK taxpayers and you can play a vital role in making sure it isn’t abused. Fraudulent claims take money from the NHS and limit our ability to support people’s livelihoods.
If you are concerned an employer is abusing the scheme you should report your concerns on GOV.UK. This could include an employer claiming but not paying employees what they’re entitled to, asking them to work while on furlough, or making a backdated claim that includes times when employees were working.
Fraudsters are taking advantage of the package of measures announced by the Government to support people and businesses affected by coronavirus. Scammers text, email or phone taxpayers offering spurious financial support or tax refunds, sometimes threatening them with arrest if they don’t immediately pay fictitious tax owed.
We have published information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact, how to avoid and report scamsand examples of phishing emails and bogus HMRC contact on GOV.UK. Forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599. If you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.
Customer Engagement Team| HM Revenue & Customs
PAYadvice.UK 20/4/2020
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