Updated: Introduction of the Job Retention Bonus and CJRS

23rd July 2020

The UK Government has announced the introduction of the Job Retention Bonus. Employers will be eligible to receive a £1000 one-off payment bonus for every furloughed employee under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) who they continuously employ until 31 January 2021. The bonus will encourage employers to retain employees. Further information about the bonus scheme will be available on 31 July 2020 followed by full guidance published in autumn.

Key points of the Job Retention Bonus:

• Employees need to earn an average minimum of £520 per month for November 2020, December 2020 and January 2020
• Employees need to have been furloughed by their employees and claimed for under the CJRS
• Employers are required to have continuously employed the employees until 31 January 2021
• Employers can claim the bonus from February 2021

CJRS update – Key points for members

The table below shows key dates on the CJRS.

• Employers can delete any claims made online as long as this is within 72 hours of submitting it
  • Access the declaration using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
• Ensure all information provided when submitting a claim is correct otherwise it can affect/delay payment of the grant
• Use the standard template form if claiming for 100 or more employees
  • Access the template using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/download-a-template-if-youre-claiming-for-100-or-more-employees-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
• Live webinars providing information on changes to CJRS and how they will affect employers are available to book online
  • Register online for the webinars using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-if-your-business-is-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19
• Be aware that HMRC are contacting selected employers to discuss their claims – to ensure the correct amount is being claimed
  • Employers who have claimed in excess to what they are entitled to should inform HMRC when they make their next claim –they do not need to call HMRC
  • Employers who have incorrectly claimed less than what they are entitled to or are not intending to make any further claims should contact HMRC – contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/coronavirus-covid-19-helpline
• Remain vigilant to avoid scams from people fraudulently claiming to be from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC); report suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599
  • Access guidance on recognising genuine communication from HMRC using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/genuine-hmrc-contact-and-recognising-phishing-emails

References and further reading:

• HM Revenue & Customs COVID-19 update 20 July 2020:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHMRCED/bulletins/2967a9b

• HM Revenue & Customs “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Businesses and Employers Bulletin – 8 June 2020”: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHMRCED/bulletins/2949f79
• HM Revenue & Customs guidance “Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme”: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/calculate-how-much-you-can-claim-using-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
• HM Government: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDECC/bulletins/28f9ae0
• UK guidance “Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)”: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-if-your-business-is-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19

Please contact the Pharmacy Services team for further advice and support:

• Telephone: 01727891800 (Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 1pm)
• Email: pharmacyservices@npa.co.uk