SO WHAT’S CHANGED?
It probably hasn’t come as too much of a surprise but, in light of a third lockdown and the continued impact of COVID, the government has issued a new Treasury Direction officially extending the furlough scheme until the end of April.

We know that things are tough right now and that many businesses are being hit with the financial burden of adapting to these difficult and uncertain times. It might feel like Groundhog Day at the moment, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The good news is, we’re here to help you with any ongoing questions you might have about furloughing your employees.

Let’s break it down.

THE JOB RETENTION SCHEME – KEY POINTS
The claim rate of 80% of wages for hours not worked remains the same (up to a maximum of £2,500 per month)
Employees serving notice (whether given by the employer or employee) cannot be placed on the furlough scheme. This is different from the previous guidance
HOW MUCH TO CLAIM – A GUIDE
VARIABLE HOURS/PAY
Where an employee has variable hours or pay, the relevant reference month for calculating the amount of a claim in March and April 2021 will be March and April 2019. That’s because, in March and April 2020, employees might have already been furloughed and, as a result, may have been receiving lower payments.

FIXED HOURS AND PAY
For employees on fixed hours and pay, the relevant reference date is still 19 March 2020 or, if not employed at that time, 30 October 2020.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES
MAKING A CLAIM UNDER THE SCHEME
To ensure you receive the furlough grant, you must submit your claim by the following dates:

For February 2021: 15 March 2021
For March 2021: 14 April 2021
For April 2021: 14 May 2021
AMENDING A CLAIM UNDER THE SCHEME
If you need to make an amendment to a claim, you must submit any changes by the following dates:

For February 2021: 29 March 2021
For March 2021: 28 April 2021
For April 2021: 28 May 2021
Hang in there, we’ve got you
If you need any help or advice relating to issues raised by the Job Retention Scheme, we’re here for you. Just get in touch with us on 0844 682 7488 to chat with one of the HR gurus at Streetwise HR.
 

Recommended Insights
Navigating Negative Resignations: Our Top Tips
Employee resignations are an inevitable part of running a business. While some exits are amicable and mutually agreed upon, others may in...
Love is in the Air: Navigating Relationships in the Workplace
If you can remember that far back, you’ll know that school was always more fun when you were going out with someone. It just gave y...
Handling Difficult Conversations: From Stress to Success in the Workplace
Picture this: you're a new manager, tasked with addressing performance issues, resolving conflicts, and delivering critical feedback....
Agile HR: How to find the best HR System for you
There’s no way around it, we are firmly in the golden age, or maybe even platinum age, of technology. We cannot move for the want o...
Checkatrade Trustpilot Gardeners World Live FCA iTV Grand Designs

This site uses some cookies to store information on your computer. By using our site you accept our Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy.

×