Expansion of the Job Support Scheme for businesses & employees

The government recently announced an expansion of the Job Support Scheme, to provide temporary support to businesses whose premises have been legally required to close as a direct result of coronavirus restrictions.

Under this expansion, affected businesses will receive grants towards the wages of employees who have been instructed to and cease work. This will cover businesses that, as a result of restrictions set by one or more of the four governments of the UK, are legally required to close their premises, or to provide only delivery and collection services from their premises.

How much can you claim under the Expansion of the Job Support Scheme?

The government will pay:

two thirds of employees’ wages,
up to a maximum of £2,100 per month.

Employers will not be required to contribute towards wages, but do need to cover employer National Insurance and pension contributions.

Can I apply?

You can apply for the JSS and the new expansion even if you haven’t previously used the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

When is it available?

JSS is available for 6 months:

from the 1st of November,
with payment of grants in arrears from early December
The scheme will be reviewed in January.

Search ‘Job Support Scheme expanded to firms required to close due to Covid Restrictions’ and ‘Job Support Scheme factsheet’ on GOV.UK for more details. Further information will be published in the coming weeks.

More information

For information on what is covered by the grant, which employers and employees are eligible, and how to claim, search ‘Job Support Scheme factsheet’ on GOV‌.UK.