Kevan has received further information from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs regarding the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme:
Dear Mr Jones,
I want to update you on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. I’m very grateful to the huge number of MPs who have shared HMRC’s guidance on the scheme with constituents and would please ask you continue to do so.
More than 285,000 businesses have already applied for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme since it went live on Monday 20 April. To be sure payment comes through to employers before the end of the month, they will need apply today (Wed 22 April).
Accessing the system
We have noticed that some people have had difficulty accessing the system because they do not have an active PAYE enrolment. In order to make a claim they will need to:
- have a Government Gateway (GG) ID and password – if they don’t already have a GG account, they can apply here, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for ‘HMRC services: sign in or register’;
- be enrolled for PAYE online – if they aren’t registered yet, they can do so now, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for ‘PAYE Online for employers’.
I’m pleased to say that we were able to investigate and resolve the issue quickly thanks to the agents who raised an issue with authorisations when the new system first went live on Monday morning.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Calculator
We are updating the online calculator tool so that it covers more employment circumstances this afternoon. The update will mean that employers can use it to work out what they can claim for most employees who are paid irregular amounts each pay period, as well as those who are paid fixed amounts.
Webinars now available
To support businesses, we have been offering live webinars on a variety of Covid-19 related topics, including the Job Retention Scheme and how to make a JRS claim.
Employers can book a place on our ‘how to’ JRS webinars here.
They can book a place on any of our other webinars or watch a recording on HMRC’s YouTube channel
If employers in your constituency have already made a claim
Employers should retain all records and calculations for their claims, in case we need to contact them. Provided their claim is made in accordance with HMRC’s published guidance, they can expect to receive the funds six working days after their application. We ask them not to contact us before this time.
HMRC will check claims made through the scheme and will act to protect public money against anyone who makes a claim using dishonest or fraudulent information.
We continue to be busy supporting customers at this time, so we would ask that they only call us if they can’t find what they need on GOV.UK or through our webchat service – this will leave our lines open for those who need our help most.
We’d encourage all employers to also protect their own credentials from potential scammers and opportunist criminal activity.
I hope this update is helpful. I continue to wish you all the best at this challenging time,
Jim Harra
First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive, HMRC
UPDATED 9 APRIL 2020
Kevan has received information from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs regarding the opening of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme:
Dear Mr Jones,
I want to update you on the opening of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
I know you are receiving a significant number of queries from constituents on the various measures HMRC is taking to provide support during the coronavirus outbreak. We are updating our guidance regularly and you will continue to hear about changes through our MP email digests.
As I confirmed when giving evidence to the Treasury Select Committee yesterday, we will open the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for claim submissions on 20 April.
We have already issued emails to employers and tax agents letting them know that updated guidance is available on GOV.UK at:
Employer guidance
Employee guidance
We will continue to communicate with you as the scheme develops and we will shortly be able to provide employers with the information they need to prepare to make a claim. In the meantime, we urge customers to review the guidance on GOV.UK to ensure they understand the latest position.
Employers should also reassure their staff that employees do not need to take action, as applications for funding to the scheme will be made via their employer.
I hope this information is helpful.
Best wishes,
Jim Harra
Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary