Coronavirus: Self-employed and furlough support schemes extended

Self-employed workers will be eligible for a second round of government support to help them through the coronavirus crisis, but will receive less money than during the first round.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed the extension of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, with eligible individuals able to claim a lump sum payment in August.

This second taxable grant will be worth 70% of average monthly self-employed profits, covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total.

See also: Coronavirus self-employed scheme open for claims 

During the first round of the scheme, the grant was worth 80% of average monthly self-employed profits with an overall cap on the lump sum claimable of £7,500.

It is still possible to make a claim under the first round of the scheme, although claims must be made on or before 13 July 2020.

The eligibility criteria for the second round will stay the same and individuals will need to confirm that their business has been adversely affected by coronavirus.

To be eligible, a claimant’s trading profits must be no more than £50,000 and at least equal to any non-trading income.

But claimants do not need to have claimed the first grant to receive the second grant.

Further guidance on the second grant will be published on Friday 12 June.

Furlough scheme

The government has also published further details of the extension of its Job Retention Scheme for furloughed workers.

From 1 July 2020, businesses will be given the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back part time.

This is a month earlier than previously announced.

The government is tapering support offered by the scheme from August, which means it will operate as follows:

• June and July The government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 as well as employer National Insurance (NI) and pension contributions. Employers are not required to pay anything, but can choose to top up.
• The last opportunity to furlough new employees is 10 June, three weeks before the scheme closes to new entrants on 30 June.
• August The government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500. Employers will pay NI and pension contributions.
• September The government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50. Employers will pay NI and pension contributions and 10% of wages to make up to 80% total, up to a cap of £2,500.
• October The government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875. Employers will pay NI and pension contributions and 20% of wages to make up to 80% total, up to a cap of £2,500.
• November onwards Employers meet full cost of wages, NI and pension contributions.