Employers urged to review job retention claims

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was first introduced back in March 2020 to aid employers to keep their workforce in employment.

The announcement of the flexi furlough scheme saw the first major rule changes, allowing employees to return to work on a part-time basis.

In the months that followed, we saw a winding down of the scheme, with employers expected to contribute towards the furlough payments before its planned demise on 31 October 2020. however, after a dramatic deadline day, the government u-turned and extended the CJRS scheme.

During the spring Budget, the chancellor confirmed that the scheme would run until 30 September 2021 before ending for good.

Where are we at today?

With life returning to a semblance of pre-Covid normality for many of us, the same applies to the engine rooms at HM Revenue & Customs.

As of 30 June 2021, HMRC had opened 6,150 inquiries into suspected overpayments through the CJRS scheme due to error or fraud.

HMRC is encouraging all employers to review their claims submitted in case of mistakes. If an error is found and an overclaim has taken place it should be corrected and paid back directly to HMRC.

What can we do to help?

Getting your head around the CJRS rules has been but one complication faced by businesses over the past 18 months, thankfully we have a team full of experts that want to help.

If you have received a letter from HMRC regarding your furlough claim, or you just want peace of mind that your claims have been completed in line with government guidance, contact us.