You can now make February CJRS claims. These must be made by Monday 15 March.
You can claim before, during or after you process your payroll. If you can, it’s best to make a claim once you’re sure of the exact number of hours your employees will work so you don’t have to amend your claim later.
Check if you and your employees are eligible and work out how much you can claim using the CJRS calculator and examples, by searching ‘Job Retention Scheme’ on GOV.UK.
What you need to do now
- If you haven’t submitted your claim for January but believe that you have a reasonable excuse for missing the deadline, check if you can make a late claim by searching ‘claim for wages’ on GOV.UK.
- Submit any claims for February no later than Monday 15 March.
- Keep records that support the amount of CJRS grants you claim, in case HMRC needs to check them.
Frequently asked questions about the CJRS
You can find everything you need to know about the CJRS on GOV.UK by searching ‘Job Retention Scheme’, but here are some answers to questions employers have been asking recently.
Will information for each branch of my company be published separately?
If there is more than one PAYE scheme attached to your company, HMRC will publish your information together under one Company Registration Number on GOV.UK.
What happens if I pay back my grants?
If you choose to pay back the money you have received, your details will be removed from the list of claims when it is next published (usually in the following month).
Can my employee work elsewhere if they are furloughed?
If your employee has more than one employer they can be furloughed for each job. Employees can be furloughed in one job (and receive that furloughed payment) but continue working for another employer and receive their normal wages.
An employee can also take part in volunteer work during hours when they are furloughed, as long as it’s for another employer or organisation which is not connected with you.
Can I claim for employees who are training?
You can claim for employees who undertake training while they are furloughed, as long as they don’t provide services to, or generate revenue for your business or a linked or associated organisation. For more information, go to GOV.UK and search ‘Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages’.
For more information on training that is available for your employees, search ‘Career Skills and Training’ on GOV.UK.
Can I furlough an employee if they are unable to work because they have caring responsibilities or are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable?
If an employee asks to be furloughed, you can claim for them under the CJRS if:
- they are off work or on reduced hours due to caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus, such as caring for children who are at home as a result of school or childcare closing
- they are clinically extremely vulnerable, or in the highest risk group for severe illness from coronavirus according to the public health guidance for your area.
For other circumstances where you can furlough an employee, go to GOV.UK and search ‘check which employees you can put on furlough’.
The decision to offer furlough rests with you as an employer.
To find out how we can assist, please get in touch.
