Yesterday, the Chancellor announced that the Job Retention Scheme was being extended until the end of October. They didn’t give many details, and have said that further details on changes to the scheme and such will be made available at the end of May. What they did say was that the scheme wouldn’t work in the same way it does now from August. There will be more flexibility introduced which will allow employees to return to work part-time and employers will be asked to help contribute to the costs of the furlough scheme. The chancellor has said that staff will still be eligible for 80% of their salary, up to a maximum of £2,500, while furloughed. Until the end of July, the JRS will operate exactly how it does right now.
The government also released a step-by-step guide on how to make a claim through the Job Retention Scheme. You can access that document here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/884664/Coronavirus_Job_Retention_Scheme_step_by_step_guide_for_employers.pdf
I am continually monitoring the updates that the government and other business-related departments release and will continue to share that information for as long as I feel that it is beneficial to all businesses in the UK.
The information and policies are continually being updated by the government, so I urge you to keep on top of the information by visiting the relevant website for your area.
UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Wales: https://gov.wales/business-and-employers-coronavirus
Northern Ireland: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/
I will be trying to keep myself as informed as possible and will share relevant information on my fb business page: https://www.facebook.com/ihelmenterprises/