Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is reminding employers in his constituency that they can claim under the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) from today.
Employers who cannot maintain their current workforce because their operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19), can furlough employees and apply for a grant that covers 80% of their usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month, plus the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and pension contributions (up to the level of the minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contribution) on that subsidised furlough pay.
This is a temporary scheme in place for 4 months starting from 1 March 2020, but it may be extended if necessary and employers can use this scheme anytime during this period.
James said:
“This scheme is designed to help employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to retain their employees and protect the UK economy. However, all employers are eligible to claim under the scheme and the government recognises different businesses will face different impacts from coronavirus.
“Any entity with a UK payroll can apply, including businesses, charities, recruitment agencies and public authorities.
“The way to make a claim is online- the service went live at 8am today and should be simple to use.
“There will be a calculator available allowing employers to check their calculations online before making a claim and employers should have all their information and calculations ready before beginning their application.
Employers are being urged to use the online support at GOV.UK and to not contact HMRC unless it is absolutely necessary.”
HMRC will check claims made through the scheme, and payments may be withheld or need to be repaid in full to HMRC if the claim is based on dishonest or inaccurate information or found to be fraudulent.
James added: “The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is part of a collective national effort to protect jobs. The money has come from UK taxpayers and you can play a vital role in making sure it isn’t abused. Fraudulent claims take money from the NHS and limit the Government’s ability to support people’s livelihoods. HMRC has therefore put in place an online portal for employees and the public to report suspected fraud in the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/customs-excise-and-vat-fraud-reporting
“Meanwhile, fraudsters are taking advantage of the package of measures announced by the Government to support people and businesses affected by coronavirus. Scammers text, email or phone taxpayers offering spurious financial support or tax refunds, sometimes threatening them with arrest if they don’t immediately pay fictitious tax owed.
“Information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact and how to avoid and report scams and examples of phishing emails and bogus HMRC contact can be found on GOV.UK.
“I urge people in the Vale of Clwyd to forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to [email protected] and texts to 60599. If they think they have fallen victim to a scam, they should contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.”
