Reservists returning to civilian work eligible for #coronavirus #COVID19 government support schemes

Military reservists able to access the self employment scheme and those returning to work the Coronavirus job retention scheme (CJRS)

Rishi Sunak said serviceman and servicewomen who come back to their day job after completing a period of active duty will be able to be furloughed by their employer under the recently extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

He also announced that self-employed army, navy and airforce reservists who are currently ineligible for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme as a result of their service will be able to access a grant.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP said:

“Reservists embody the best of our nation – in our hours of need, they rise up to the challenge and leave their everyday lives behind to serve our people.

It is only right that we do everything we can to support them when they return to civilian life during these challenging times.”

CJRS flexible furlough claims from July onwards are restricted to employers already using the scheme for previously furloughed employees.

However, some reservists will have been in active service during the outbreak and will be returning to work after the standard cut-off point. The government have exempted the restriction for reservists providing they work for an employer who has previously furloughed employees.

More details will be included in updated guidance, to be published next week.

Self employed Military reservists who currently cannot access SEISS as a result of military service in 2018-19 will be able to make a claim for both the first and second SEISS grants, and further information on how to do this will be also published shortly by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Opinion

The move from part 1 CJRS to part 2 flexible furlough is a major shift in calculation and claim requirements. Employers and payroll will need to react quickly to ensure accurate grant claim applications are made on-time to keep funding to ensure Britain is paid.

Along with the exemption for those returning from extended family leave, this additional exemption aids those who have been serving the country in their military reservist roles and enables them, their job and family to receive options for protection during this pandemic.

PAYadvice.UK 16/6/2020