George Eustice, Member of Parliament for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle has today welcomed the news announced by the Government that thousands more employees will able to receive support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) after the eligibility date was extended to 19 March 2020.

Under the scheme announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to a cap of £2,500 a month.

To qualify and to protect against fraudulent claims, individuals originally had to be employed on February 28 2020.

But following a review of the delivery system and to ensure the scheme helps as many people as possible, new guidance published today has confirmed the eligibility date has been extended to March 19 2020– the day before the scheme was announced.

Employers can claim for furloughed employees that were employed and on their PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020. This means that the employee must have been notified to HMRC through an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before 19 March 2020.

This change makes the scheme more generous while keeping the substantial fraud risks under control and is expected to benefit over 200,000 employees. HMRC have been working at pace to delivering the scheme, which is due to be fully this week. The CJRS is part of an unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor to protect individuals and businesses. This includes significant support for the self employed and immediate steps to give businesses access to cash to pay its rent, salaries or suppliers.

George commented, "The Coronavirus has brought an unprecedented situation upon the country. I welcome the Government's decision to extend the furlough scheme so that thousands more employees will be able to receive support. HMRC have been working at pace to deliver the scheme which is now fully open, and if anyone encounters any difficulties then please email me at: George.eustice.mp@parliament.uk and my office will be in touch."

If any employer now thinks they are eligible for support, they can find out more here.