In this blog we have guidance on how to claim for your employees' wages through the coronavirus job retention scheme (CJRS). 
 
Please note, if you made employees redundant, or they stopped working for you on or after 28 February 2020, you can re-employ them, put them on furlough and claim for their wages through the scheme. 
 
Please note this is an abridged version of the full Government guidance which can be found at:  
 
The full version contains more specific guidance on Apprentices, public sector organisations, individuals, administrators, LLP’s, eligible individuals who are not employees, office holders, company directors, agency workers, Limb(b) workers, contingent workers etc. 
 
CORONAVIRUS JOB RETENTION SCHEME 
 
Frequently Asked Questions (Based on information available as at 31 March 2020) 
 
Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers with a PAYE scheme will be able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis. 
 
This applies to employees who have been asked to stop working, but who are being kept on the pay roll, otherwise known as ‘furloughed workers’. HMRC will reimburse 80% of their wages, up to £2,500 per month. This is to safeguard workers from being made redundant. 
 
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will cover the cost of wages backdated to 1 March and is initially open for 3 months, but will be extended if necessary. 
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES 
 
On Friday 20th March 2020 the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support public services, people and businesses through the period of disruption caused by COVID-19. 
 
The package of measures to support businesses includes: 
• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 
• Deferring VAT and Income Tax payments 
• A Statutory Sick Pay relief package for SMEs 
• A 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England 
• Small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief 
• Grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 
• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank 
• A new lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans 
• HMRC Time To Pay Scheme 
 
We will keep you informed about the details of each of these packages and how to apply. Be safe and stay strong! 
Langers Chartered Accountants, based in Cheshire and serving customers across the wider Manchester area is proud to announce that we have been added to the Handpicked Accountants network. With over 30 years’ experience in the field of accounting, we are veterans in the sector and well equipped to service start-ups, small business owners, sole traders and limited companies. 
 
Our main client base is made up of local businesses across Cheshire and Manchester. Our loyal customers take pride in our tailored advice platform, strong lines of communication and up-to-date knowledge of the industry. Our team of qualified accountants with personal specialisms work on cloud accounting software to streamline the accounting process both internally and for the customer. 
 
We are a Sage Accountant partner, Xero certified adviser and platinum partner of Intuit QuickBooks, all of which are Making Tax Digital compliant. We also have experience working with Wave, Kashflow and FreeAgent. Cloud-based payroll solutions make it easier to access and input financial data, both on the go and in an office environment. In addition to our use of cloud software, we are a member firm of ICAEW, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. 
 
Handpicked Accountants is a platform which matches small business owners, contractors and freelancers with registered and local accountants. With years of experience working with accountants, they know exactly what to look out for. As a Handpicked Accountant recognised for our outstanding communication skills, transparent service and updates on our professional knowledge, we are delighted to have been selected to join the platform. 
 
David Tattersall, Head of Client Relations at Handpicked Accountants, said, “I feel great excitement in welcoming Langers Chartered Accountants to our dedicated platform. The team based in Cheadle provide excellent services to entrepreneurs and businesses across Greater Manchester. The service is efficient and easy to use for business owners, simplifying the accounting journey.” 
 
View our profile on Handpicked Accountants for more details.