Chancellor Rishi Sunak has set out more details on how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will continue to support jobs and business as people return to work, following the announcement of an extension of the scheme on 12 May.
From 1 July, businesses will be given the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back part time. This is a month earlier than previously announced to help support people back to work.
Individual firms will decide the hours and shift patterns their employees will work on their return, so that they can decide on the best approach for them – and will be responsible for paying their wages while in work.
From August, the level of grant provided through the scheme will be slowly tapered to reflect that people will be returning to work.
That means that for June and July the Government will continue to pay 80% of people’s salaries. In the following months, businesses will be asked to contribute a modest share, but crucially individuals will continue to receive that 80% of salary covering the time they are unable to work.
The scheme updates mean that the following will apply for the period people are furloughed:
June and July: Government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 as well as employer National Insurance (ER NICS) and pension contributions. Employers are not required to pay anything.
August: Government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500. Employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions. For the average claim, this represents 5% of the gross employment costs the employer would have incurred had the employee not been furloughed.
September: Government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50. Employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions and 10% of wages to make up 80% total up to a cap of £2,500. For the average claim, this represents 14% of the gross employment costs the employer would have incurred had the employee not been furloughed.
October: Government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875. Employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions and 20% of wages to make up 80% total up to a cap of £2,500. For the average claim, this represents 23% of the gross employment costs the employer would have incurred had the employee not been furloughed.
Rishi Sunak said: “Our top priority has always been to support people, protect jobs and businesses through this crisis. The furlough and self-employment schemes have been a lifeline for millions of people and businesses.
“We stood behind Britain’s businesses and workers as we came into this crisis and we stand behind them as we come through the other side.
“Now, as we begin to reopen our country and kickstart our economy, these schemes will adjust to ensure those who are able to work can do so, while remaining amongst the most generous in the world.
What does this mean for hospitality businesses?
Commenting on the announcement, UKHospitality’s chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “This is a positive and pragmatic step towards reopening the economy while recognising that the recovery will take time, particularly in hospitality.
“Giving businesses increased flexibility from the start of July is extremely welcome as hospitality looks to reopen its doors to the public.
“The move, which UKHospitality had been calling for, will allow more people back to work on a part-time basis and help venues ensure safety for customers and staff.
“Flexibility is going to be crucial if businesses are to open and be economically viable with social distancing measures in place.
“The introduction of employer contributions to the scheme from August will put some businesses under particular strain, but the way it is tapered allows for a gradual adjustment. Further support for the self-employed is also helpful for many in our sector.
“The Government still needs to recognise that these costs will be difficult for hospitality businesses to bear, and consider other measures to support the sector.
“This must include brokering a solution on rents, with Treasury contributions if necessary, and considering further grants to support businesses to reopen.
“If we can find a solution on rents and get an extension of the grant scheme, this will mitigate much of the impact of the reduced furlough. If we do not, a very difficult spring would become a disastrous summer for hospitality.
“We hope the Government bears in mind that many high street businesses will be reopening in the next couple of weeks, whereas hospitality will be forced to survive for an additional month, at the very least, on this reduced form of furlough.”
