PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (1 May 2020)

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to new employees that started work before 19 March 2020 but whose Real Time Information submission was made after that date.

Asked by:
Fleur Anderson (Labour)

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is open to any individual who was on an employer’s PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020 and for whom HMRC received an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before the 19 March 2020. Processing claims for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme where HMRC did not have RTI data by 19 March would significantly slow down the system while risking substantial levels of fraud. It would also require greater resource for HMRC when they are already under significant pressure to deliver the system designed.

Those not eligible for the scheme may be able to access other support the Government is providing, including a package of temporary welfare measures and up to three months’ mortgage payment holidays for those struggling with their mortgage payments.

Answered by:
Jesse Norman (Conservative)
6 May 2020