Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

(asked on 25th January 2021) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the extent to which employees being supported under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are being required, unlawfully, to work for their employer while furloughed; and if he will make a statement.


Answered by
Jesse Norman Portrait
Jesse Norman
This question was answered on 28th January 2021

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme forms part of a much wider national effort to protect people’s jobs. Fraudulent claims put at risk the provision of public services and the protection of livelihoods. They could include employers claiming on an employee’s behalf and not then paying them what they are entitled to, asking employees to do work while on furlough, or making a backdated claim that includes times when workers were working.

Employees can play a vital role by reporting fraudulent claims to HMRC, via their online fraud reporting tool: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/customs-excise-and-vat-fraud-reporting.

Compliance investigations are now under way. HMRC are checking claims made through this scheme. Payments may be withheld or need to be repaid in full to HMRC if the claim is based on dishonest or inaccurate information or found to be fraudulent.

HMRC have made clear that they will not hesitate to act on reports of abuse. The first arrest made in relation to CJRS fraud was on 8 July 2020.

Reticulating Splines