Covid-19 job support scheme expanded

The government’s job support scheme will be expanded to support businesses required to shut as a result of coronavirus restrictions the chancellor has confirmed.

Under the expansion firms whose premises are legally required to shut for some period over winter as part of local or national restrictions will receive grants to pay the wages of staff who cannot work. The government will support eligible businesses by paying two thirds of each employees’ salary (or 67%) up to a maximum of £2 100 a month.

Under the scheme employers will not be required to contribute towards wages but will be asked to cover National Insurance and pension contributions. The Treasury estimates that about half of potential claims are likely not to incur employer National Insurance or auto-enrolment pension contributions so would need no employer contribution.

To be eligible employees must be employed and an RTI submission...