Asked by: Lord Fink (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when HMRC will launch the online portal to facilitate the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
The Government expects the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to be in place by the end of April, including a new online portal through which businesses can access the Scheme.
The Scheme is a significant programme of work, and one of many Coronavirus-related changes and programmes that are being implemented at present. Nonetheless, HM Revenue and Customs are working at pace to allow the Scheme to be up and running.
Guidance for employers and employees has already been published on GOV.UK.
Asked by: Lord Fink (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to issue advice on the steps needed to put employees into furlough.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
Guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was published on 26 March for both employers and employees. The guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.
This is an unprecedented jobs retention scheme and the Government has been working hard over the last two weeks to set out further details on the scheme. The Government will continue to review the guidance and publish further updates if necessary.