Below is our weekly roundup of changes to government support information for businesses.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

The CJRS has been extended until 30 April 2021. Claims for furlough days in January 2021 must be made by 15 February 2021. You can no longer submit claims for claim periods ending on or before 31 October 2020.

HMRC has updated its examples to help calculate employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions and pension contributions if you are claiming through the CJRS. A new example has been added for calculating wages for different types of pension scheme.

See:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/find-examples-to-help-you-work-out-80-of-your-employees-wages?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=05cd36c7-7e90-4622-ba90-f96aa529be12&utm_content=daily

The guidance for employers on the steps to take before calculating a claim has also been updated to give more information about non-monetary benefits and employer pension contributions under salary sacrifice schemes.

See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/steps-to-take-before-calculating-your-claim-using-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=78ed8c7f-3c5e-46e8-a3ef-a8e89800c82e&utm_content=daily

Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

There is a new version of this guidance ‘Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak’ with updated information on face-to-face training and when to consider a break in an apprenticeship.

This document is for providers, employers, assessment organisations and apprentices.

It describes:

  • the temporary flexibilities which have been applied during the coronavirus (COVD-19) outbreak; and
  • how and when apprentices can safely train and undertake an assessment in the workplace and educational and assessment settings.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=ea8fe452-9bb3-4280-bfc5-51e027f8950f&utm_content=daily

Getting support from Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations

Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations are providing coronavirus related support for specific sectors. There are now added details for the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association and the Mineral Products Association.

On this webpage you will find a list of organisations you can speak with to get advice. Many of these organisations are also happy to respond to non-member queries related to coronavirus.

Many of these websites also include sector-specific guidance and Q&A. This list does not cover all trade associations and business representatives.

See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-support-from-business-representative-organisations-and-trade-associations?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=c091cdf1-0d64-4432-8d5a-2a238e9df391&utm_content=daily