The Chancellor has announced an extension to the Job Support Scheme (itself only launched two weeks ago) aimed at supporting business during COVID.
Effectively a local furlough scheme, this one pays employee’s 2/3rds of their wage up to a cap of £2100pm if their employer is forced by law to close due to COVID.
Clearly aimed at the hospitality and leisure sectors given the rumblings about yet another shut down, it starts on 1st November and lasts for 6 months but will be reviewed in January.
Important to note it won’t support those employees working for businesses that “choose” to close due to the COVID, only those legally obliged to shut. So if you’re a business caught in a local lockdown you won’t need to contribute to staff wages but will need to pay national insurance and pension contributions.
If you are an employer and would like to discuss the schemes and options for business reorganisation including redundancy or exit packages, or an employee who would like detailed guidance regarding your pay entitlements under the schemes or exiting your employer, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our experienced Employment team on 01484 558060 or email gareth.dando@ramsdens.co.uk .