Covid furlough & business loan schemes extended

The UK's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), or furlough scheme, is to be extended until the end of April 2021.

UK Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced today (17th December) that the government will continue to pay 80% of the salary of employees for hours not worked until the end of April. Employers will only be required to pay wages, National Insurance Contributions (NICS) and pensions for hours worked, and NICS and pensions for hours not worked. The furlough scheme had been planned to end in March 2021.

In addition, businesses may access the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme until the end of March 2021; these had been due to close at the end of January.

Staff in all areas of the UK can be furloughed by viable businesses where working hours are restricted or affected by COVID-19. For example, if a salon does not have enough business to keep a member of staff working for their contracted number of hours, they can be placed on part-time or full-time furlough. When a member of staff is furloughed, they must not undertake any work for your business. 

Rishi Sunak also announced that the next UK Budget will take place on 3rd March, during which the next phase of the plan to tackle the virus and protect jobs will be delivered.

To access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and find out more about the government's business loans, visit the UK government website.