***Updated on 2 November 2020***
Keeping up with all of the Government changes surrounding the COVID-19 support available to employers and workers is pretty tricky even for us.
Just when we’d got to grips with the new job support scheme (JSS), the goalposts were moved once again, albeit to improve what was on offer.
Then, hours before the furlough scheme was due to end, Westminster abandoned the JSS and extended the furlough scheme by a month.
It may even be extended beyond that should lockdown in England last more than four weeks, but where does that leave us in Scotland?
In this revised blog post, we highlight the improvements to the self-employed income support scheme (SEISS) and the furlough scheme.
As usual, all information is accurate at the time of publishing this blog. It seems wise, however, to say it might be subject to future change.
Furlough scheme in Scotland
The furlough scheme was due to wind down all over the UK on 31 October 2020, with the JSS kicking in the following day.
But with England going into a four-week lockdown on 5 November 2020, an initial one-month extension to the furlough scheme was announced.
Like the rest of the UK, employers in Scotland can use the furlough scheme until 30 November 2020. This might be extended.
During this time, Westminster will cover 80% of furloughed workers’ wages up to a cap of £2,500. Employers will continue to make workplace pension contributions and pay employer NICs for the unworked hours.
The UK Government contribution available in November 2020 therefore mirrors the level available in August 2020.
SEISS improvements (2 November 2020 update)
In our previous blog on reporting the SEISS and filling in your tax return, we covered the third tranche of taxable grants.
It still covers the three-month period between 1 November 2020 and 31 January 2021 but things have got more complex with the English restrictions.
Assuming you claimed the SEISS earlier this year, you will be eligible for a taxable grant based on 55% of average monthly profits up to £5,160 in total.
However, this could be increased from December onwards should the situation in England or elsewhere in the UK worsen before Christmas.
We will update you on any changes that might affect your business as soon as we know.
How can we help
While we cannot apply for COVID-19 support on your behalf, talk to us about your options and we will advise which support measure best suits you. To find out more about what our expert team can offer, email us at contact@thomasbarrie.co.uk or call us on 0141 221 257.