Expansion of Job Support Scheme

Expansion of Job Support Scheme

The Chancellor’s update on Friday outlined temporary support to businesses whose premises have been legally required to close due to covid-19 restrictions. In addition, this includes the expansion of Job Support Scheme.

Under this expansion, affected businesses will receive grants towards the wages of staff who have been instructed to cease work. This will cover businesses that, as a result of restrictions set by one or more of the four governments of the UK, are legally required to close. Furthermore, to also provide only delivery and collection services from their premises.

The government will pay two thirds of employees’ usual wages. This is up to a maximum of £2,100 per month. Furthermore, you will not be required to contribute towards wages. However, you do need to cover employer National Insurance and pension contributions.

You can apply for the JSS including the new expansion even if you haven’t previously used the Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme. JSS is available for six months, from 1 November, with payment of grants in arrears from early December. The scheme will be reviewed in January.

Are you Eligible?

If you have chosen to close, you will not be eligible for this expansion. This only applies to businesses which have been forced to close. In addition, this will mainly affect businesses in the hospitality sector.

Businesses will only be able to claim the grant while they are subject to restrictions. In addition, employees must be off work for a minimum of seven consecutive days.

The scheme will begin on 1 November 2020 and will be available for six months, with a review point in January 2021. In line with the rest of the Scheme, payments to businesses will be made in arrears, with the portal opening early December 2020. Contact us now if you would like any further support on the Expansion of Job Support Scheme.

Staff of firms that have been legally closed in the period before 1 November are eligible for the CJRS. However, they’re not entitled to the Job Support Scheme. Watch the Chancellor’s full statement HERE 

Reduce Employee Burnout and Improve Wellbeing at Work

Reduce Employee Burnout and Improve Wellbeing at Work

Reduce employee burnout is more important than ever at this time of year. As temperatures drop and seasonal illnesses increase, many businesses see a rise in short-term absences. More concerning, however, is the growing trend of employees continuing to work despite...

Stronger Parental Leave Rights UK From April

Stronger Parental Leave Rights UK From April

The Government confirmed last week that stronger parental leave rights UK will be introduced from April 2026. This means that employees will no longer need to meet minimum service requirements to access paternity and parental leave. Employees will have a right to this...

Staff retention in care homes: Tackling Turnover with HR strategies

Staff retention in care homes: Tackling Turnover with HR strategies

According to a report published by Skills for Care on 15 October 2025, the turnover rate in the care sector for 2024/2025 reached 24.7 per cent, equating to approximately 300,000 leavers. Such a high level of movement not only places immense pressure on remaining...

How to Manage Stress in the Workplace

How to Manage Stress in the Workplace

Stress and burnout are predicted to be among the biggest challenges facing workplaces this year. According to the Health and Safety Executive, stress, anxiety and depression accounted for 52% of all work-related ill health cases in 2024/2025, an increase on the...

Care Inspectorate: Achieving a Good Rating Through HR

Care Inspectorate: Achieving a Good Rating Through HR

Care Inspectorate expectations place real pressure on care home managers, particularly where inspection outcomes are closely linked to workforce stability, leadership, and day-to-day people management. Ongoing recruitment challenges, high absence levels, training...

Do I Have to Pay Employees for Snow Days

Do I Have to Pay Employees for Snow Days

Many parts of the UK are currently facing adverse snow and severe weather warnings, with conditions particularly challenging throughout the Highlands and Aberdeenshire. In some areas, the weather has been so extreme that public transport has been cancelled, leaving...