Businesses across Telford affected by the Coronavirus crisis will be able to claim up to £2,500 a month towards staff wages as part of the Government’s Job Retention Scheme, which went live today. Employers can apply for direct cash grants through HMRC’s new online portal - with the money expected to land in their bank accounts within six working days.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, announced by the Chancellor as part of a package of support to protect jobs and businesses, allows employers to claim for a cash grant of up to 80% of a furloughed employees wages, capped at £2,500 a month.
Last week the Chancellor announced the scheme will be extended for a further month until the end of June, to reflect continuing lockdown measures. Millions of people across the UK are expected to benefit from the scheme, with businesses including Pret a Manger, Brewdog and Timpsons using it to ensure staff keep their jobs and are paid whilst many high street businesses are closed.
HMRC’s portal has a step-by-step application process and up to 5,000 staff will be manning phone lines and webchat services to ensure any questions can be answered.
Commenting, Lucy Allan MP said:
“This is welcome news for businesses across Telford in what are unprecedented times and I would advise those who are struggling to apply for the funding.
I would urge everyone across my constituency to follow government guidelines to stay at home, to protect our NHS and save lives and if people do need help or advice please do not hesitate to contact myself and my team."
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP said:
“Our unprecedented job retention scheme will protect millions of jobs across the country and is now up and running. It is vital that our economy gets up and running again as soon as it’s safe – and this scheme will allow that to happen.”
You can read more about the scheme and your eligibility here.
