Further expansion of the job support scheme

The government has increased the scope of its winter support schemes to help businesses forced to close or reduce their hours as a result of the three-tier local coronavirus restrictions.

The job support scheme (JSS) – which will come into effect on 1 November – has two variations: JJS open and JSS closed. 

The JSS open scheme will support businesses that are open but whose employees are working shorter hours due to reduced demand. Employees will need to work at least 20% of their usual hours. Employers will continue to pay employees for the hours they work and the government will pay a contribution of 61.67% of the usual pay for hours not worked up to a maximum of £1 541.75 a month. Employers will pay 5% of the usual pay for hours not worked up to a maximum of £125 a month....