It has been confirmed that an online service to allow businesses to make claims relating to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will launch on 20 April 2020.
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, called on HMRC to assist with delivering financial support to businesses and citizens during the outbreak of coronavirus, and one of the measures introduced to do so was the CJRS. HMRC has now confirmed the intended launch date and explained that claims will need to be made online, and not by phone.
HMRC has stated it is working relentlessly to deliver the service that will allow businesses to make a claim for 80% of furloughed employees’ pay, up to a maximum cap of £2,500 per eligible employee.
Businesses and agents that are authorised to act on behalf of clients for PAYE matters will have the ability to claim, however, file only agents and Payroll Bureaus will not be able to access the service for data protection reasons.
As previously mentioned, the launch date is going to be the 20th April 2020 and businesses will be contacted by HMRC with advice on what they need to do at that time.
It is expected that phone demand will increase substantially, hence the service will be designed to be self-serve, but will be accompanied by guidance.
Find more information and guidance on coronavirus support measures for businesses, employers and employees on the activpayroll latest news page.
