HMRC’s guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been updated a number of times as the workings of the scheme evolve. The most recent update, on 29 May 2020, followed an announcement by the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak.
The Chancellor has confirmed that the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is to be extended for a final three-month period to 31 August 2020. The maximum grant for the final 3 months of the scheme will be based on 70% of eligible earnings (previous quarter 80%). This means that the SEISS will in total provide qualifying self-employed workers up to 6 months financial support from the government.
The government has started the slow process of reopening selected businesses as we continue to face restrictions in almost all aspects of daily life. The reopening of retail outlets reflects the acceptance that life for the foreseeable future will operate under what is being referred to as the ‘new normal’ complete with social distancing and other measures.