Category: COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 support – what’s available and actions you or your clients may need

Dear Payadvice Ltd, I’m writing to you with the latest information about financial support schemes available to help your clients as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. This includes the latest on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the VAT deferral new payment scheme. Thank you for … Continue reading COVID-19 support – what’s available and actions you or your clients may need →

Treasury Direction – 15th April 2021: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Job Retention Bonus

The 7th CJRS Treasury Direction made under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 20 This direction extends, and modifies the effect of, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”). The extension applies from 1st May 2021 ending on 30th September 2021. Treasury Direction made under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 … Continue reading Treasury Direction – 15th April 2021: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Job Retention Bonus →

Staff COVID-19 vaccines in care homes consultation

Staff in care homes with older adult residents in England may be required to have a COVID-19 vaccine to protect residents from the virus. Consultation launched on making COVID vaccination a condition of work for people who are deployed in these homesCare home workers urged to take up offer of a vaccine now to keep … Continue reading Staff COVID-19 vaccines in care homes consultation →

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) – Step 2

How to make your workplace COVID-secure. Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) Applies to: England (see guidance for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) The 14 guides cover a range of different types of work. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, so may need to use more than one guide as they think through what they need … Continue reading Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) – Step 2 →

Cycle training for families and children

As COVID-19 restrictions lift, Transport Secretary invests in the Bikeability cycling proficiency training scheme so that more people can feel confident cycling. government invests record £18 million toward cycle training for children and familiesfunding will ensure children are cycling-confident and whole family groups can receive bespoke training sessions through the Bikeability programmeas restrictions are cautiously … Continue reading Cycle training for families and children →

Specialist job coaches to help young people onto the jobs ladder

The recruitment is a further boost for the government’s Plan for Jobs, which aims to help people of all ages move into work. Thousands of young people will benefit from six-month intensive employment support packages as the Department for Work and Pensions recruits an extra 150 specialist Youth Employability Coaches across the UK. Youth Employability … Continue reading Specialist job coaches to help young people onto the jobs ladder →

Furlough claim data updated

The Monthly data on claims made by employers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for December 2020 and January 2021 has been updated (7th April 2021). Transparency data - Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Future publications HMRC will publish a new list each month alongside the historical data already published. … Continue reading Furlough claim data updated →

COVID-19 support – latest information

Dear Payadvice Ltd, I’m writing to you with the latest information about financial support schemes available to help your clients. This includes the latest on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the VAT deferral new payment scheme. Self-Employment Income Support Scheme To support you in helping your clients, here … Continue reading COVID-19 support – latest information →

Recovery Loan Scheme launches

A new government-backed loan scheme launched 6th April 2021 to provide additional finance to those businesses that need it. new loan scheme to provide further support to protect businesses and jobsloans include 80% government guarantee and interest rate capgovernment has backed £75 billion of loans as part of a £350 billion wider support package The … Continue reading Recovery Loan Scheme launches →

Apply early for British passport

The government have urged people not to delay applying for a British passport and to allow more time to be processed. While it is still illegal to holiday overseas and the “Stay in the UK” regulation remains in place, by applying for a passport now, people can make sure nothing stands in their way when … Continue reading Apply early for British passport →

Further easing of Covid restrictions from 12th April 2021

Outdoor pubs, shops, gyms and hairdressers to reopen. From Monday 12th April 2021 additional premises will be able to reopen – with the rules on social contact applying. Indoor settings must only be visited alone or with household groups, with outdoor settings limited to either six people or two households. This includes non-essential retail; personal … Continue reading Further easing of Covid restrictions from 12th April 2021 →

Twice weekly rapid testing to be available to everyone in England

Everyone in England is able to access rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing from 9th April 2021. Everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test twice a weekAlongside vaccine rollout, regular testing is at the heart of plans to reopen society and the economy, helping to suppress … Continue reading Twice weekly rapid testing to be available to everyone in England →

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme fourth grant

Find out if you’re eligible for the fourth grant which will cover the period February 2021 to April 2021. Also find out information about the fifth grant. The Budget confirmed that the fourth SEISS grant will be set at 80% of 3 months’ average trading profits, paid out in a single instalment, capped at £7,500. … Continue reading Self-Employment Income Support Scheme fourth grant →

Government writes open letter to businesses on Plan for Growth

Prime Minister Boris Johnson looks forward to a year of economic recovery at the second meeting of the Build Back Better Business Council as Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng write an open letter to businesses on the Government’s Plan for Growth. The joint letter between Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Kwasi … Continue reading Government writes open letter to businesses on Plan for Growth →

England Covid restrictions change 29th March 2021

Some of the rules changed on 29th March 2021. However, many restrictions remain in place. You must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have formed a support bubble with. You should continue to work from home if you can and minimise the number of journeys you make where possible. You … Continue reading England Covid restrictions change 29th March 2021 →

Extended opening hours to continue when non-essential retail returns

Longer opening hours in England will help people return to the high streets safely when non-essential shops re-open from 12th April 2021. Temporary measures to make socially distanced shopping easier to continueLonger opening hours for retail to give shoppers more flexibility and ease transport pressuresFlexible working hours for construction also to continue, helping industry continue … Continue reading Extended opening hours to continue when non-essential retail returns →

Workplace testing programme expands to offer free rapid home testing

In the next major push for the Government’s workplace testing programme, all employers will now be able to offer their employees free, rapid and regular testing that can be taken at home Government makes rapid home testing available for all businesses with over 10 employees who cannot offer on-site testingBusinesses must register interest by 12th … Continue reading Workplace testing programme expands to offer free rapid home testing →

Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 25th March 2021

HMRC have published further updates to the Job Retention Scheme guidance: Page titleChangesAll PagesFor periods from 1 November 2020 to 30 April 2021, your employer can claim for you if you were employed on or before 30 October 2020, as long as they have made a PAYE Real Time Information (RTI) submission to HMRC between 20 March 2020 and 30 October 2020.Check if … Continue reading Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 25th March 2021 →

Government-backed loans help thousands of businesses to protect jobs during pandemic

Government-backed finance helped thousands of businesses through the pandemic with a loan issued through the Bounce Back Loan scheme roughly every 20 seconds since its launch last May, new figures reveal today, 25th March 2021. new statistics reveal that three Bounce Back Loans were issued every minute since May 2020 launchemergency loans provided almost £180 … Continue reading Government-backed loans help thousands of businesses to protect jobs during pandemic →

Plan for jobs – well underway!

Statement made on 23rd March 2021: As part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to support claimants back into work, DWP is moving at pace this spring and summer to introduce new Jobcentres, as a direct response to the pandemic. On top of the 13,500 new Work Coaches who will be in place by the end … Continue reading Plan for jobs – well underway! →

Legal footing for national unlocking set out ahead of vote

The government has set out regulations that will pave the way to the easing of all restrictions from 21st June 2021. New ‘roadmap regulations’ set out before the next phase of easements take place on 29th March 2021One-year review of Coronavirus Act proposes measures to expire or suspend. Measures to continue are essential and proportionate … Continue reading Legal footing for national unlocking set out ahead of vote →

Shielding advice for the clinically extremely vulnerable to stop from 1st April 2021

More than 3.79 million clinically extremely vulnerable people in England will be informed they are no longer advised to shield from Thursday 1 April 2021. Advice to the clinically extremely vulnerable to shield ceases from Thursday 1 April, as virus infection rates continue to fallPeople on shielded patient list will receive letters from today with … Continue reading Shielding advice for the clinically extremely vulnerable to stop from 1st April 2021 →

Government asks for views on Covid-19 certification

The Government is reviewing whether COVID-status certification could play a role in reopening the economy, reducing restrictions on social contact and improving safety. The Government is seeking views on the role of Covid-status certification in the UK’s recovery from the pandemic, particularly from organisations and individuals with relevant expertise as well as those it would … Continue reading Government asks for views on Covid-19 certification →

48,000 businesses already registered to offer workplace testing

Workplace testing programme ramps up as 48,000 businesses register for free, regular and rapid tests for their employees. Regular, rapid testing will be a crucial tool to prevent outbreaks in the workplace as we cautiously ease restrictions, keeping employees safe and businesses openA major expansion of the free programme now means all businesses can access … Continue reading 48,000 businesses already registered to offer workplace testing →

Job Retention Scheme Update 11th March 2021

The HMRC has confirmed the following changes to guidance and the calculator on Wednesday 11th March 2021. Page titleChangesCalculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeTo remove the following exception reason preventing the use of the calculator: Employees have variable pay, were not on their employer’s payroll on or before 19 … Continue reading Job Retention Scheme Update 11th March 2021 →

COVID-19: Employer support – live webinars

Dear @PAYadvice, You have until 2‌‌3:5‌‌9pm this com‌‌ing Mon‌‌day‌‌ 15‌‌ ‌March to claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for pay periods in February ‌2021. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar, which includes: who can claim who you can claim for how to calculate what you can claimhow … Continue reading COVID-19: Employer support – live webinars →

Ban on commercial evictions extended to 30th June and bailiff enforced eviction ban extended to 31st May to protect residential tenants.

Ban on commercial evictions extended to 30 June to ensure businesses are supported as they re-openSix-month notice periods and bailiff enforced eviction ban extended to 31 May to protect residential tenantsFollows unprecedented package of support for businesses and renters during pandemic Business owners – many of whom have had to cease trading entirely during lockdown … Continue reading Ban on commercial evictions extended to 30th June and bailiff enforced eviction ban extended to 31st May to protect residential tenants. →

Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

If your business deferred VAT payments due between 20th March 2020 and 30th June 2020 and it still has payments to make, the business can: pay the deferred VAT in full, on or before 31st March 2021join the VAT deferral new payment scheme – the online service is open between 23rd February 2021 and 21st … Continue reading Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19) →

Free rapid tests for all businesses for regular workplace testing

All businesses in England are now able to sign up to the government’s free COVID-19 workplace testing programme. Workplace testing now available to all businesses, including those with fewer than 50 employeesBusiness encouraged to register interest by 31 March to access free workplace testingRegular testing will be a vital part of the government’s roadmap to … Continue reading Free rapid tests for all businesses for regular workplace testing →

Chancellor Statement – Budget press conference

Delivered by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak on 3 March. Good afternoon. Earlier today I presented the Budget to the House of Commons. And I’m speaking to you now, directly, to explain what this Budget means for our economy and for you at home. I want to be honest with you about the problems we face … Continue reading Chancellor Statement – Budget press conference →

UK Government support announced for businesses

Dear @PAYadvice, Today, as part of the Budget, the UK Government has announced further support for employers and the self-employed. Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeSelf-Employment Income Support Scheme – future grants confirmedVAT deferralWhere can I get further support?Protect yourself from scams Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme … Continue reading UK Government support announced for businesses →

Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 3rd March 2022

Following the announcement made at the UK Westminster Budget 2021 on the extension to the Furlough Scheme, the following guidance updates have been published: Page titleChangesChanges to the Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeNew guidance page on the day with future taper information to September for employers   Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeUpdated … Continue reading Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 3rd March 2022 →

Budget 2021 – Furlough extended until September 2021

To protect the jobs and livelihoods of the British people through the remaining phase of this crisis, the furlough scheme will be extended until the end of September. Employer share Employers will contribute: Currently = 0%From 1st July 2021 = 10%From 1st August 2021 = 20% Qualifying employees The Scheme is extended to employees who … Continue reading Budget 2021 – Furlough extended until September 2021 →

CRED programme helps ex-offenders into work

A programme called CRED set up in partnership with HM Prison & Probation Service announces its bold achievements in the face of COVID challenges. CRED (Clean Rehabilitative Enabling and Decent) enables ex-offenders to join purposeful work placements which lead to full time work and financial independence. This significantly reduces the reoffending rate. The aim of … Continue reading CRED programme helps ex-offenders into work →

All households with children of school age to get 2 rapid COVID-19 tests per person per week

Whole families and households with primary school, secondary school and college age children, including childcare and support bubbles, will be able to test themselves twice every week from home as schools return from 8th March 2021. Tests can be ordered and collected from local sites, or administered through workplace testing programmes. Getting a rapid test … Continue reading All households with children of school age to get 2 rapid COVID-19 tests per person per week →

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 25th February 2021

HMRC have applied further updated (25th February 2021) to the guidance for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Page titleChangesAllCallout box amended   Claims for furlough days in February 2021 must be made by 15 March 2021  Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Employee Page)To advise that more information on training is … Continue reading Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 25th February 2021 →

File tax returns now to prevent penalties

Self Assessment taxpayers have less than one week to submit their late tax returns to prevent a £100 penalty. While 10.7 million taxpayers filed their return by 31st January 2021, more than 1.5 million taxpayers missed this deadline and are still to file their tax return. They are accruing interest on unpaid tax liabilities but … Continue reading File tax returns now to prevent penalties →

Roadmap out of lockdown!

The government has published the ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’, setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England. The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, announced to Parliament on Monday 22nd February, the government’s roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England. It published a four-step roadmap to ease restrictions across … Continue reading Roadmap out of lockdown! →

Gender Pay Gap Reporting deadline extended

Six month suspension to the enforcement of gender pay gap regulations. Due to the impact of Coronavirus (COVID‑19), the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have announced that employers now have until 5th October 2021 to report their gender pay gap information for the 20/21 reporting year (which uses a snapshot date of 31st March … Continue reading Gender Pay Gap Reporting deadline extended →

Parliamentary question – Directors Income Support Scheme response

HM Treasury responded to a question on COVID-19 assistance for Directors on 22nd February 2021 The question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to progress a directors’ income support scheme package for directors of limited companies? The response was made by Treasury minister Jesse Norman: The Government always welcomes … Continue reading Parliamentary question – Directors Income Support Scheme response →

More help for Self Assessment taxpayers

HM Revenue and Customs announces Self Assessment taxpayers will not be charged the 5% late payment penalty if pay their tax or set up a payment plan by 1st April 2021. Self Assessment taxpayers will not be charged the 5% late payment penalty as long as they pay the tax due or set up a … Continue reading More help for Self Assessment taxpayers →

COVID-19: Employer support – live webinars

Dear @PAYadvice, Claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are now open for pay periods in February ‌2021. Claims for January are now closed, but if you find you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough you can do this until 1 ‌March. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the … Continue reading COVID-19: Employer support – live webinars →

Shielding and work

The government are extending shielding guidance until the end of March 2021. So some workers and employees will receive a letter instructing them to shield. It also provides guidance and instruction In relation to work; Work You are strongly advised to work from home because the risk of exposure to the virus in your area … Continue reading Shielding and work →

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 16th February 2021

HMRC have applied further updates (16th February 2021) to the guidance for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Page titleChangesClaim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeTo amend the method of contact for Reasonable ExcuseAsk HMRC not to publish your Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme claim detailsAddition to include line that agents can submit request on … Continue reading Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 16th February 2021 →

Support Payment for those instructed to self-isolate

Those who have been told to self-isolate because of coronavirus (COVID-19) and cannot work from home may be able to get a financial support. England The payment is £500. The claimant must be employed or self-employed and needs to claim within 28 days of the first day of self-isolation. They can only apply for the … Continue reading Support Payment for those instructed to self-isolate →

Support extended for renters during pandemic

Renters will continue to be supported during the ongoing national lockdown restrictions, with an extension to the ban on bailiff evictions. Renters protected with ban on bailiff enforced evictions extended until 31st March 2021Exemptions in place for the most serious casesPart of a wider package of support for renters during the pandemic Renters will continue … Continue reading Support extended for renters during pandemic →

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme complaints to HMRC

Chris Law MP (SNP) asked a parliamentary question on 2nd February 2021: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average time taken is for investigating and resolving an incorrectly refused Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme claim. In response Jesse Norman (MP) of HM Treasury answered on 9th February 2021: In order to decide if … Continue reading Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme complaints to HMRC →

Bounce back loan borrowers can delay repayments by extra six months

Businesses that took out government-backed Bounce Back Loans to get through Covid-19 will now have greater flexibility to repay their loans, the government announced 8th February 2021. Bounce Back Loan borrowers will now have the option to tailor payments according to their individual circumstancesChancellor makes support even more generous with the option to delay all … Continue reading Bounce back loan borrowers can delay repayments by extra six months →

80,000 new SWAPs opportunities

Nearly two million Brits could be supported back into work through innovative Plan for Jobs employment schemes delivered by the DWP. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has given (8th February 2021) a further boost to jobseekers by increasing the number of retraining places on the Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) to 80,000 for … Continue reading 80,000 new SWAPs opportunities →

Boost to rapid workplace testing

New government drive to increase workplace testing in sectors open during lockdown, to detect coronavirus (COVID-19) in people who are not showing symptoms. New government drive to increase workplace testing in sectors open during lockdown, to detect coronavirus (COVID-19) in people who are not showing symptomsGovernment departments tasked with ensuring targeted, rapid testing is set … Continue reading Boost to rapid workplace testing →

Action required – submit your January claims for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Dear @PAYadvice, I’m writing to remind you of an upcoming deadline for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) claims, and to answer some questions you or your clients may have. Also included is information on checking claims you made for variable paid employees – those not on fixed salaries – and more on HMRC publishing details … Continue reading Action required – submit your January claims for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme →

HMRC’s progress

HMRC, 100 Parliament Street by PSP(2019) How HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has performed during the first 9 months of tax year 2020 to 2021. The HMRC has published a news story charting their progress over the past 9 months. It has been a unique financial year as HMRC continues to be at the heart … Continue reading HMRC’s progress →

Salary Sacrifice and furlough reference salary

HMRC have added further clarification to the furlough guidance in relation to salary sacrifice arrangements and the calculation of the reference salary for the Job Retention Scheme. They clarify that: You cannot include the following when calculating wages: payments made at the discretion of the employer or a client - where the employer or client … Continue reading Salary Sacrifice and furlough reference salary →

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 4th February 2021

HMRC have applied further updates (4th February 2021) to the guidance for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Page titleChangesCheck if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Employee Page)To update the contact HMRC paragraph and include there is no right of appealCheck if you can claim for your employee's wages through the Coronavirus … Continue reading Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 4th February 2021 →

Digital job surgeries launched to help 160,000 Brits get back into work

More than 150,000 jobseekers across Great Britain will benefit from new employment support, helping them build their interview skills, find local vacancies and quickly get back into work. New Job Finding Support service launched to benefit 160,000 people over the next yearSupport ranges from job searches and interview practice to advice on how to switch … Continue reading Digital job surgeries launched to help 160,000 Brits get back into work →

Low paid more likely to be impacted by pandemic claims TUC

New polling, published Monday 1st February by the TUC, finds that low earners are more likely than middle and higher earners to have been forced to cut spending and take on debt during the pandemic. The poll findings (conducted by BritainThinks) come as the TUC calls on the Chancellor to improve pandemic support for low- … Continue reading Low paid more likely to be impacted by pandemic claims TUC →

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 26th January 2021

Following yesterday issuing of the Chancellors HM Treasury direction for further changes and extensions to the Job Retention Scheme, HMRC guidance has been updated on the night of 26th January 2021: The main item was the publication of the new page ‘Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’Also a new page ‘Ask … Continue reading Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 26th January 2021 →

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) – claim now before 29th January deadline

Dear @PAYadvice, The deadline for claiming the third SEISS grant is fast approaching. If your clients are eligible, they must make their claim on or before 29‌‌‌th January 2021. As with the first and second SEISS grants, the third grant will be subject to Income Tax and self-employed National Insurance and must also be reported … Continue reading Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) – claim now before 29th January deadline →

ONS: UK Labour market overview January 2021

Since February 2020, the number of payroll employees has fallen by 828,000; however, the larger falls were seen at the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Data from our Labour Force Survey (LFS) show a large increase in the unemployment rate while the employment rate continues to fall. The number of redundancies reached a record … Continue reading ONS: UK Labour market overview January 2021 →

Naming starts! Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The naming list HMRC have published the list of employers who claimed CJRS in December 2020. HMRC have used the employer name that’s attached to the qualifying PAYE scheme. Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Those not named This data does not include employers: with a successful or pending application to … Continue reading Naming starts! Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme →

Job Retention Scheme changes announced for application from 1st February 2021

Treasury Direction made under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has issued to HMRC the 6th Treasury Direction in relation to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Job Retention Bonus. This sets out the calculation rules for the Job Retention Scheme from 1st February 2021 and extends the … Continue reading Job Retention Scheme changes announced for application from 1st February 2021 →

Kickstart moves up a gear with over 120,000 jobs created so far and government making it even simpler for employers to join

More than 120,000 jobs for 16 to 24 year olds have now been created through the government’s flagship Kickstart Scheme, as ministers have urged more employers to get involved. The scheme, which has been underway since September, is helping to put young people who have been some of the hardest hit by the economic impact … Continue reading Kickstart moves up a gear with over 120,000 jobs created so far and government making it even simpler for employers to join →

TUC – Covid occupational deaths expose “huge inequalities” in labour market and need for tougher safety rules

Men working in elementary occupations or caring, leisure and other service occupations had the highest rates of death involving COVID-19. Women working in Process, plant and machine operatives, and Caring, leisure and other service occupations had the highest rate of death involving COVID-19 compared with women of the same age in the general population Commenting … Continue reading TUC – Covid occupational deaths expose “huge inequalities” in labour market and need for tougher safety rules →

Changes to late filing penalty for 2019-20 Self Assessment returns

Dear @PAYadvice, Today HMRC has announced that Self Assessment customers will not receive a penalty for filing their 2019-20 tax return late, as long as they file online by 28‌‌th February. We are still encouraging customers who have not yet filed to do so by 31‌‌st January, if possible. Customers still need to pay their … Continue reading Changes to late filing penalty for 2019-20 Self Assessment returns →

More employers sign up to rapid testing to protect workforce

Dozens of public and private sector employers are now offering rapid testing to those without symptoms. Expansion of testing will find more positive cases, keeping key workers from unknowingly passing on the virus and protecting vital servicesOrganisations signed up to workplace testing already include Royal Mail, Tate & Lyle Sugars, Primula, Moy Park, Octopus Energy, … Continue reading More employers sign up to rapid testing to protect workforce →

COVID-19: Employer support – live webinars

Dear @PAYadvice, Claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are currently open for pay periods in January‌‌ ‌2021. Claims for December are now closed, but if you find you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough you can do this until Thursday‌‌ ‌28 January. Make sure you have the latest information by joining … Continue reading COVID-19: Employer support – live webinars →

Northern Ireland – Limited Company Directors Support Scheme

The NI Minister for the Economy has announced details of the Limited Company Director’s Support Scheme, to provide financial support to company directors who have personally been adversely impacted by COVID-19. The scheme, administered by Invest Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for the Economy, will open to online applications at 6pm on Thursday … Continue reading Northern Ireland – Limited Company Directors Support Scheme →

Missed the Thursday 14th January 2021 claim deadline

If an employer didn't submit their December furlough claims by the deadline of 14 January, HMRC may still accept it if there is a reasonable excuse for not claiming by the deadline, such as self-isolating, or an unexpected stay in hospital that prevented completing a claim. If the reason means you can claim late, do … Continue reading Missed the Thursday 14th January 2021 claim deadline →

National free school meals voucher scheme opens to orders

Edenred site opens for schools to purchase eGift cards for eligible families to use at their choice of supermarkets Schools can begin ordering free school meal vouchers for eligible pupils from today as the Government’s national scheme launches, adding to the support available for disadvantaged families. An online service for schools, the scheme allows schools … Continue reading National free school meals voucher scheme opens to orders →

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme claims deadlines

Dear @PAYadvice, I’m writing to remind you of upcoming claims deadlines for the following schemes: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) I’d also like to update you on the information we’ll be publishing on CJRS claims from this month. Upcoming deadlines You and your clients can now submit your CJRS furlough claims … Continue reading Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme claims deadlines →

Furlough naming to commence

Publishing details of employers claiming Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) HMRC will publish the names of employers who have made CJRS claims for periods from December 2020 onwards. This is part of the government and HMRC commitment to transparency, and to deter fraudulent claims. The first publication will be on 26 January 2021. This will … Continue reading Furlough naming to commence →

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updated

HMRC have updated the following relating to the extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) on Wednesday 13th January 2021. Page titleChangeCheck if you can claim for your employee's wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeTo include the objection process to excuse employer claims information being publishedCalculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention … Continue reading Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updated →

Plan for jobs – Financial Support Package

The Government’s claims its comprehensive package of financial support is continuing to protect jobs and help businesses and individuals through the COVID-19 outbreak in guidance issued Friday 8th January 2021. Rishi Sunak: There's no denying the next few weeks are going to be difficult. But the end is in sight. That’s why we’ve redoubled our … Continue reading Plan for jobs – Financial Support Package →

Businesses still open – is it COVID-secure, and what about those working from home?

For businesses still open under the current national lockdown, they must continue to ensure that premises are COVID-secure. The HSE is continuing to carry out spot checks and inspections across the country. And there are also obligations for those working from home. Making your workplace COVID-secure during the coronavirus pandemic Protect home workers PAYadvice.UK 8/1/2021

Action required – submit your Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme claims

Dear @PAYadvice, I’m writing to remind you of upcoming deadlines for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) claims, and to answer some questions you or your clients might have, too. CJRS December claims deadline You must submit any December claims no later than‌‌ ‌Thursday‌‌ ‌14‌‌ ‌January. You or your clients … Continue reading Action required – submit your Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme claims →

New lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs

Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are to receive a one-off grant worth up to £9,000, the Chancellor has announced. Chancellor announces one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through to the Spring£594 million discretionary fund also made available to support … Continue reading New lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs →

Furlough, childcare and caring responsibilities – guidance updated

HMRC have updated ‘caring responsibilities’ guidance (on Tuesday 5th January) in relation to childcare for parents who are unable to either work, or need to reduce working hours due to home schooling or closure of childcare facilities. GuidanceCheck if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Information about if you have caring responsibilities … Continue reading Furlough, childcare and caring responsibilities – guidance updated →

Prime Minister announces national lockdown

The Prime Minister has announced a national lockdown and instructed people to stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives. The decision follows a rapid rise in infections, hospital admissions and case rates across the country, and our hospitals are now under more pressure than they have been at any … Continue reading Prime Minister announces national lockdown →

December furlough – Not claimed before? Claim deadline 14th January 2021

With Tier 4 shutdown measures, and further potential restrictions, employers who have not had to furlough staff previously may now be furloughing for the first time and never had to make a prior Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme before. How do you calculate the government grant amounts and make the claim? What is ‘reference salary’ and … Continue reading December furlough – Not claimed before? Claim deadline 14th January 2021 →

Significant uplift in key public sector jobs

Boris Johnson reaffirmed his commitment to boost the numbers of teachers, police officers, nurses and other public sector workers. NHS recruitment drive boosts the number of doctors by more than 6,000 and nurses by 13,000.Almost 6,000 police officers have been hired as part of the Government’s commitment to reach 20,000 additional officers by the end … Continue reading Significant uplift in key public sector jobs →

Tier review results in additional 50,000 business closures

A number of areas will move into higher tiers from 00:01 on Saturday 26th December. The government has decided to act ahead of the formal review point, to contain the spread of the new strain of #COVID19. It is thought that an additional 50,000 business will be required to close until further tier reviews allow … Continue reading Tier review results in additional 50,000 business closures →

December Furlough claim deadline and further Tier 4 disruption

December 2020 has been a very strange month. At short notice swathes of businesses were ordered to close as a new Tier 4 restriction regime was introduced on Saturday 19th December effective from Sunday 20th December. Additional announcements made on Wednesday 23rd December expand the Tier 4 areas with a further 50,000 businesses impacted by … Continue reading December Furlough claim deadline and further Tier 4 disruption →

Advice for clinically extremely vulnerable in new Tier 4 areas – do not attend work

This group is advised to stay at home at all times, unless for exercise or medical appointments, and not to attend work, even if they are unable to work from home. Updated guidance is being issued for the clinically extremely vulnerable in areas placed into new Tier 4 restrictions from 20th DecemberThis group of the … Continue reading Advice for clinically extremely vulnerable in new Tier 4 areas – do not attend work →

Tier 4 Furlough Chaos – Payroll impacted? Reprocess or adjust pay and claims!

Many a payroll professionals worst nightmare has just happened! Christmas payrolls are a strain at the best of times with the practice of early payments, mixed with extended flexible furlough and the operation of tight deadlines under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). With the Prime-ministers announcement of further lockdown measures for swathes of London, … Continue reading Tier 4 Furlough Chaos – Payroll impacted? Reprocess or adjust pay and claims! →

Christmas holiday, Christmas bonus and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

As part of his update from Thursday 17th December 2020, Jim Harra of HMRC has provided the following clarifications. Can I use CJRS to pay for holiday leave? If employers have furloughed employees because of the effect of coronavirus on their business, they can claim under the CJRS for periods of paid leave they take … Continue reading Christmas holiday, Christmas bonus and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme →

Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – what you need to do now

Dear @PAYadvice, The UK Government has reviewed the terms of the scheme, and announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will remain at the current level of 80% of usual wages for the hours not worked, and will be extended until the end of April‌‌ 2021. Reminder of monthly deadlines Thank you if you submitted you … Continue reading Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – what you need to do now →

Statement: Tax exemptions: Employer-reimbursed coronavirus antigen tests and easement for employer-provided cycles exemption

Employer-reimbursed coronavirus antigen tests: Exemption from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions On 9 July 2020, the Government agreed to introduce an income tax exemption and National Insurance contributions (NICs) disregard to ensure that Coronavirus antigen testing provided to employees outside the Government’s national testing scheme will not attract tax and NICs liabilities. The Government … Continue reading Statement: Tax exemptions: Employer-reimbursed coronavirus antigen tests and easement for employer-provided cycles exemption →

Chancellor extends furlough and loan schemes

certainty for millions of jobs and businesses as furlough scheme extended until the end of April 2021businesses struggling will have now until the end of March to access government generous loan schemesChancellor also confirmed that the Budget will be on the 3 March and set out the next phase of the plan to tackle the … Continue reading Chancellor extends furlough and loan schemes →

Employer reimbursed Coronavirus swab tests – Income tax exemption and National Insurance disregard

The Government is to introduce a temporary income tax exemption and National Insurance contributions (NICs) disregard, to ensure that employees who purchase their own Coronavirus swab tests, and are reimbursed by their employer, will not attract income tax and NICs liabilities in the current tax year. A Coronavirus swab test means a test which detects … Continue reading Employer reimbursed Coronavirus swab tests – Income tax exemption and National Insurance disregard →

Register births for child benefit

HMRC is now urging Child Benefit claimants to register their child’s birth if they haven't done so, in order to verify their claim. Parents in Northern Ireland will also need to send in the Birth Certificate. Details for Child benefit, how to register a birth and finding a registrar can be found at: Child benefit … Continue reading Register births for child benefit →

819,000 fewer on payroll since February 2020

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and HM Revenue and Customs have released the joint Earnings and employment from Pay As You Earn Real Time Information, UK: December 2020 There were 28.2 million employees on payroll in November 2020 The number of payrolled employees in the UK in October 2020 fell by 2.6%, compared with … Continue reading 819,000 fewer on payroll since February 2020 →

Extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – guidance updates 10th December 2020

HMRC has applied further updates to the guidance for the extended CJRS on Thursday 10th December 2020: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme CollectionCoronavirus Job Retention Scheme Check if you can use the scheme Changes to the 'Employer claim information that HMRC will make public' section with information that from February HMRC will publish information about employers … Continue reading Extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – guidance updates 10th December 2020 →

Missed the Monday 14th December 2020 claim deadline!

Monday 14th December 2020 was the last day to make a claim through the Job Retention Scheme for periods in November. So if you have furloughed staff during the month of November, even if you won’t pay amounts until later, you needed to prepare and calculate your grant claim amounts for the latest 14th December … Continue reading Missed the Monday 14th December 2020 claim deadline! →