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Furlough Extended & Additional Grants for Closed Firms During New England Lockdown

2nd November 2020

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has been extended for a month as part of the Government’s plan for the next phase of its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The CJRS, also known as the Furlough scheme, will remain open until December 2020, with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked. Under the extended scheme, the cost for employers of retaining workers will be reduced compared to the current scheme, which ended on 31 October.

Under the CJRS the Government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 with employers paying National Insurance and pension contributions only for the hours the employee does not work. Flexible furloughing will be allowed in addition to full-time furloughing.

Businesses will be paid upfront to cover wages costs. The Government is expected to confirm imminently when claims can first be made in respect of employee wage costs during November, but there will be no gap in eligibility for support between the previously announced end-date of CJRS and this extension.

Local Restrictions Support Grant

In addition to CJRS business premises forced to close can now receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG). The scheme is primarily focussed on hospitality, hotel, B&B and leisure businesses and will initially run until April 2021.

Businesses will be eligible for the following:

  • For properties with a rateable value of £15,000 or under, grants to be £1,334 per month or £667 per two weeks.
  • For properties with a rateable value of between £15,000 and £51,000, grants to be £2,000 per month or £1,000 per two weeks.
  • For properties with a rateable value of £51,000 or over, grants to be £3,000 per month or £1,500 per two weeks.

Discretionary Scheme:

  • A grant of up to £1,500 per month if businesses are required to close but do not pay business rates or is not required to close but has been severely affected, for example, as a result of customer businesses being closed.

Job Support Scheme

The Job Support Scheme, which was scheduled to commence on 1 November, has been postponed until the Furlough scheme ends.

For further informationabout local, regional and national support available to businesses as a result of wider national restrictions please visit

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