The Job Support Scheme will be expanded to support those businesses required to temporarily close as a result of coronavirus restrictions.
This expanded scheme sits along-side the original Job Support Scheme, which is designed to support businesses facing low demand over the winter months.
How will the expanded scheme work?
- Grants will be available to those businesses legally required to close as a result of local or national lockdowns;
- The grants should be used to pay the salaries of employees that are not able to work due to the business closing; and
- Employees must be off work for a minimum of seven consecutive days in order for the business to claim the grant.
When will the scheme start?
- The expanded Job Support Scheme starts on 1 November 2020; and
- It will operate for six months (with a review in January).
How much will the Government contribute?
- The Government will provide a grant to cover two thirds of each eligible employee’s salary; and
- This will be capped at £2,100 a month.
How much will the employer contribute?
- If a business is legally obliged to close, and therefore employees are not able to work, employers will not be required to contribute towards their salary; and
- Employers will still need to cover NICS and pension contributions.
How will the claims be made?
- Employers will be able to make a claim from early December 2020;
- Claims will be made online, through GOV.UK; and
- The grant payment will be made to the employer in arrears.
Increase in Cash Grants
The Government is increasing the cash grants available to businesses that have been closed as a result of local lockdowns.
How much is the increase?
- The grants will be linked to rateable values, with up to £3,000 per month payable every two weeks; and
- This is an increase from the previous amount of up to £1,500 every three weeks.