We are back with the most up to date information on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The HMRC portal for making a claim under the scheme is now open.

You can find it here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

Just scroll down the page until you see the ‘Claim Now’ button (under the ‘How To Claim’ section).

Initial reports advise, while there are some traffic problems, the portal is working, and a number of our clients have reported they have successfully completed their applications.

In addition the SSP rules were extended on 16^th April to include those defined in public health guidance as extremely vulnerable, who are at high risk of severe illness from coronavirus because of an underlying health condition and have been advised by notification to adopt shielding measures for the period specified in the notification.

We aim to keep everyone informed and up to date with all the recent changes via our COVID-19 Business & Finance Update Presentation which you can find on our blog. For more information please click HERE

This morning, the Chancellor also announced a support package for Innovation and companies undertaking Research and Development. You can read it here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/billion-pound-support-package-for-innovative-firms-hit-by-coronavirus