Employers who have taken advantage of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme can now apply for direct cash grants, it has been announced.
Under the landmark scheme, employers severely affected by Covid-19 have been able to furlough workers with the promise of a cash grant of 80 per cent of wages up to £2,500 per worker per month, as well as cash to cover the employer’s National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and minimum pension contributions. 
Launching today, employers are now able to access HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) new online portal and apply for a direct cash grant. It is believed that the capital will be transferred into employers’ bank accounts within six working days.
Welcoming the launch of the online portal, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Director General Adam Marshall said the cash will “protect livelihoods”.
“Our research indicates that two-thirds of firms have furloughed some portion of their workforce. With April’s payday approaching, it is essential that the application process is smooth and that payments are made as soon as possible. Any delay would exacerbate the cash crisis many companies are facing and could threaten jobs and businesses,” he said.
The announcement comes after the Government revealed that the cut-off date for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme had been extended to 19 March 2020. The change means an additional 200,000 workers are now eligible to be furloughed.
It also comes as the Chancellor confirmed that the scheme will be extended for a further month until the end of June, to “reflect continuing Covid-19 lockdown measures”.
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