Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends today, 30 September 2021

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which was introduced in March 2020, ends today, Thursday 30 September 2021. It is estimated that since the start of the pandemic, the scheme helped subsidise the wages of 11.6 million workers. However, despite the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Simon Clarke, stating, “We think there are probably two million fewer people unemployed than would have been the case if this scheme hadn't been introduced”, many forecasters, including the Bank of England, are predicting an increase in unemployment as it ends.

Research carried out by the Resolution Foundation concluded that approximately one million workers were expected to be on the scheme at the end of September 2021. Moreover, the Institute for Fiscal Studies conducted analysis into the matter, and found there to be regional differences, with London workers most likely still to be on the scheme. Therefore, with furlough ending, there is uncertainty regarding the futures of workers that are still having their wages subsidised.

As many employers and workers cope with the ending of the furlough scheme, the government has announced that claims for September 2021 must be submitted by 14 October 2021, and any amendments must be made by 28 October 2021.

Advice

If you need assistance or advice on the contents of this article, please contact the Employment Team at Thackray Williams LLP 020 8290 0440.