The Chancellor has extended the furlough scheme to March 2021, however, the Job Retention Bonus (which paid £1,000 for each formerly furloughed employee still in employment in January 2021) has been cancelled. In addition the Job Support Scheme has been postponed.
The key points are as follows:
1) Funding will be 80% of wages until January 21 capped at £2,500 (pro rata)
2) The employer has to cover Ers NICs and Pension.
3) Employers can top up wages above the 80% grant.
4) Flexibility to work remains.
5) No requirement to have been previously furloughed .
6) Employees must have been on the payroll on 30 October 2020 and included on an RTI return between 20 March and 30 October 2020.
7) Claims must be for a minimum 7 day period, must adhere to calendar months and must be submitted by the 14th day of the following month.
8) Claims can be made from 8am Wednesday 11 November 2020.
9) All previous criteria concerning employee agreements, working etc. remain in force.
Full guidance will be issued on 10 November.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-outlines-winter-economy-plan
Source: HMRC, Guardian, BBC