HR Update Covid19 - HMRC detailed guidance and LRA template letter for furloughed workers

On 26 March 2020 HMRC published helpful and detailed guidance about claiming wages through their Job Retention Scheme and the Labour Relations Agency has developed a template letter for employers to use for furloughed workers. 

HMRC guidance on the Job Retention Scheme

The HMRC Job Retention Scheme guidance issued yesterday provides much sought after information about the Job Retention Scheme for furloughed workers. HMRC is currently working to set up the mechanism for making the claim for the grant and are aiming for it to be in place before the end of April 2020. The detailed HMRC guidance provides information on the following:

  • Who can claim
  • Employees you can claim for
  • Working out what you can claim
  • What you'll need to make a claim
  • The claim itself

LRA support material and template letter to use for furloughed workers

The LRA COVID19 Practical Guidance on the Job Retention Scheme has been published on their website which includes a template letter for employers to use to communicate with staff who will be designated as furloughed workers. This is particularly relevant as HMRC guidance states that 'to be eligible for the subsidy employers should write to their employee confirming that they have been furloughed and keep a record of this communication'. This support material will be updated in line with Government and HMRC guidance as it is released. 

Useful links for employers:

  • Business Support website - UK Government website outlining all financial support packages for businesses
  • NI Business info website - Invest NI business information website with dedicated Coronavirus information page for NI businesses
  • HMRC website - detailed guidance from HMRC on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
  • LRA website - Labour Relations Agency has dedicated Coronavirus information for employers and employees, as well as useful guides for a range of employment matters

 

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