John Baron MP welcomes Jobs Retention Scheme Extension

MP says move will help many people locally

HM Treasury has announced that the cut-off date for the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme has been extended from 28th February to 19th March 2020. Employers can now claim for furloughed employees that were employed and on their PAYE payroll on or before 19th March. This change is expected to benefit over 200,000 employees, whilst keeping substantial fraud risks to the taxpayer under control.

John said,

“At this time of national emergency, the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme has helped protect many jobs and support many organisations. I welcome this extension of the cut-off date, for which I have been lobbying HM Treasury on behalf of constituents, as it will help the significant number of people who had just changed jobs or been made redundant after the previous cut-off date.”

“I have no doubt this extension will help many people locally, and encourage newly-eligible employers and employees alike to take advantage of the scheme.”

Notes to Editors:

• For further details of this change, please see online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/furlough-scheme-cut-off-date-extended-to-19-march.

• If people are having difficulty obtaining essential supplies, they can register with Essex Coronavirus Action, which is a collaboration between Essex County Council, the Essex Public Health Team and local groups. Their number is 0300 303 9988, open from 8.00am – 8.00pm, seven days a week.

• They can also register with the Community Hub, which is run by Basildon Council and provides support to the elderly and vulnerable at this time. The number is 01268 533 333 (option 1), or e-mail coronavirusresidents@basildon.gov.uk.