We provide the important dates to note since the announcement on reforms to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme last week.

12 June: Further guidance on flexible furlough and calculation of claims under the flexible scheme will be published.

30 June: The furlough scheme closes to new entrants.

From 1 July: ‘flexible furlough’ is being introduced, which means employees will be able to work part-time and be furloughed part-time. Businesses will decide how that will work (in terms of the time split) and they can still claim furlough grant for normal hours not worked.

31 July: Employers have until this date to make any claims in respect of Furlough periods before 30 June.

From 1 August: Employers will have to pay employee’s national insurance contributions and pension contributions, and can no longer reclaim them through the CJRS.

From 1 September: The government will only reimburse 70% of salary (up to a maximum of £2,190). Employers are required to top-up to 80% (or more, depending on what the employer agreed with the employee). Employers will pay employer NICs and pension contributions and 10% of wages to make up 80% total up to a cap of £2,500.

Throughout October: Government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875 for the hours the employee does not work. Employers will pay employer NICs and pension contributions and 20% of wages to make up 80% total up to a cap of £2,500.

31 October: The Furlough scheme will close.

Self Employed Grant 
The self-employed grant is being extended, with applications opening in August for a second and final grant. There will be parity with the reducing furlough scheme, paying 70% (not 80%) of average earnings up to £6,750.

For more information on the above please contact the employment team at employmentlaw@woodfines.co.uk