Today (Monday 20th April), the Government’s unprecedented Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme went live, meaning that businesses across Rushcliffe affected by the Coronavirus crisis will now be able to claim up to £2,500 a month towards staff wages.
Employers can apply directly for cash grants through HMRC’s new online portal - with the money expected to land in their bank accounts within six working days. HMRC’s easy to use portal has a step-by-step application process, and up to 5,000 staff will be manning phone lines and web chat services to ensure any questions can be answered.
Ruth Edwards, MP for Rushcliffe, said: “This is welcome news for businesses in my constituency, and I would advise those who are struggling, to apply for funding.
“The fact that funds will appear in bank accounts less than a week after businesses have applied for them is also excellent news. Come the end of April, staff who have been furloughed will see up to 80% of their salaries, and pressured businesses will see a huge chunk of their outgoings go down.
“This really is a remarkable package of support and a great boost for local businesses from the Chancellor Rishi Sunak.”
The Chancellor commented: “Our unprecedented job retention scheme will protect millions of jobs across the country and is now up and running.
“It’s vital that our economy gets up and running again as soon as it’s safe – and this scheme will allow that to happen.”
Jonathan Geldart, IoD Director General, added:
“These are immensely challenging times for the economy, and the Government is rightly responding with exceptional measures. This scheme is crucial to protecting jobs and ensuring the recovery, when it comes, can take off as quickly as possible.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said:
“As a sector employing one million people, we greatly welcome the extension of the Job Retention Scheme into the summer. It will help pubs that are struggling through this crisis who are key employers in regions and communities across the whole of the UK. Rest assured the action taken by Government has prevented job losses.
“To hear that the COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme portal is now live for employers to use is a welcome step too for our sector.”
The Job Retention Scheme is part of a package of measures announced by the Chancellor to support the country through the coronavirus pandemic. He has already supported employers with a £30bn injection of cash by deferring VAT payments for the next quarter, has launched a scheme for the self-employed, loans for businesses and a rise in Universal Credit. Find out more about the support available for businesses here.
Finally, Ruth added: “I would urge everyone across my constituency to follow the Government’s guidelines to stay at home, to protect our NHS and save lives and if people do need help or advice, please do not hesitate to contact myself and my team.”
You can contact Ruth my emailing ruth.edwards.mp@parliament.uk or calling her office on 0207 219 3549.
You can access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme online portal here: https://www.access.service.gov.uk/login/signin/creds