Job Support Scheme (JSS) Postponed – CJRS Extended at 80%

On the eve of the Job Support Scheme (JSS) going live – 31st October 2020, the UK government announced that it will be postponed until December. The current Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will therefore be extended until this time.

The news came as England is to be placed into a second lockdown from 5th November 2020, joining other devolved evolutions that have taken measures including introductions of local tiers and two-week circuit breakers.

How will the Extended CJRS Work?

It’s understood that the scheme will work in the same way as before, based on the August contributions levels – 80% being covered by the government to a cap of £2500 per month.
Which employees will be eligible?

New Employees – If they started on/before 30th October 2020 and details submitted via payroll (RTI) before 23:59 then they will eligible for the extension.
Existing Employees – For either those who have not been on furlough prior to the 30th October, they can now be made eligible and anyone that has returned from furlough can be placed back on it.
Part-Time Furlough – If employees can legally work, then they may be able to work flexibly, reduced from their normal usual hours, during this time. All hours worked need to be paid at 100% and claims reduced to take this into account

You must ensure that furlough agreements are in place in order to claim. Please get in touch with Talk Staff’s HR Advice & Support Service if you need assistance with these.

When can claims be made?

As the extended scheme is based on August’s contribution levels, we anticipate that implementation of the new portal option for ‘November’ will be in place quickly. As before, claims will need to be made once payment have been made or similar no more than 14 days prior to pay dates.

However, we are waiting for full details and this is subject to change.

What happens with the Job Support Scheme (JSS) and the Temporary Working Agreements (TWA)?

As the scheme has been postponed, these agreements will still need to be issued at the end of November in anticipation of the CJRS Extension ending.

Any letters or guidance issued may need to be withdrawn and revisions issued.

Author: Gary Parsons

Gary is CEO at Talk Staff, passionate about the role that people play in helping build long-term and sustainable businesses. He sits on local business advisory boards and has been key in leading the growth of Talk Staff from inception in 2009.