Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

UPDATE: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ended on 30 September 2021.

On 3 March, the Chancellor used his second budget to extend the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) until September 2021 – it was due to run out at the end of April. He confirmed that the government will continue to contribute 80% towards wages until the end of June, and the eligibility criteria for the UK-wide scheme will remain unchanged.  

Employers continue to be required to pay staff’s wages, National Insurance Contributions and pensions for hours worked, as well as NICS and pensions for hours not worked. From July, employer contributions towards hours not worked rises to 10%, increasing to 20% in August and September. Part-time furloughing of employees continues to be possible and employers can agree any working arrangements with their employees.  

Below you will find everything your business needs to know about the Job Retention Scheme – from who’s eligible to how to claim support, here are the answers to the top questions businesses are asking.  

You can find the government’s updated guidance for employers here. Updated guidance for employees can be found here. Making a claim under the Scheme is accessible here. Where the guidance does not clarify outstanding questions, the CBI is followin