The Job Support Scheme will be expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.

Businesses legally required to shut for some period over winter as part of local or national restrictions will receive grants to pay the wages of staff who cannot work.  

The aim is to protect jobs and enable businesses to reopen quickly once restrictions are lifted.

The government will support eligible businesses by paying two thirds of each employees’ salary (or 67%), up to a maximum of £2,100 a month.

Employers will not be required to contribute towards wages but will be asked to cover NICS and pension contributions.

Businesses will only be eligible to claim the grant while they are subject to restrictions.

Employees must be off work for a minimum of seven consecutive days.

The scheme will begin on 1 November, be available for six months and reviewed in January.

Payments to businesses will be made in arrears and claims should be made through the HMRC claims service, available from early December.

Job Retention Bonus (JRB)

The £1,000 Job Retention Bonus (JRB) designed to retain employees remains unaltered.

Cash Grants – England

The government is increasing the cash grants to businesses in England shut in local lockdowns. 

These grants will be linked to rateable values, with up to £3,000 per month payable every two weeks, compared to the up to £1,500 every three weeks which was available previously. 

Small businesses with a rateable value equal or less than £15,000 can now claim £1,300 per month.

Medium sized businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 can claim £2,000 per month.

Larger businesses can claim £3,000.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive a £1.3 billion funding increase for 2020-21 and further details are expected soon.