COVID-19: Sunak announces new job support scheme

The new job support scheme will commence on 1 November lasting six months, with the aim of protecting viable jobs in businesses who are facing lower demand over the winter months due to Covid-19.  The replacement for the furlough scheme is intended to support people who are in work so they continue on shorter hours rather than being made redundant.

It will apply to employees working a minimum of 33% of their usual hours.  For the remaining hours not worked, the government and the employer will pay one third each.  This means employees working 33% of their hours will receive at least 77% of their pay.  The level of grant will be calculated on employee’s usual salary, capped at £697.92 per month.

The new scheme will be open to employers across the UK, even if they have not previously used the furlough scheme.  Employers retaining furloughed staff on shorter hours can claim both the jobs support scheme and the jobs retention bonus.