Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme compliance reviews

History

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was first introduced back in March 2020 to aid employers to keep their workforce in employment whilst the country tackled the challenges faced due to the pandemic. Initially, the scheme covered 80% of the employee’s regular earnings and the associated employer National Insurance and Pension costs.

The announcement of the flexi furlough scheme (or as we call it “FFS!”) saw the first major rule changes, allowing employees to return to work on a part-time basis whilst the employer pays furlough for the hours not worked.

In the months that followed, we saw a winding down of the scheme, with employers expected to contribute towards the furlough payments before its planned demise on 31 October 2020. A replacement scheme, the Job Support Scheme was all but ready to go, however, after a dramatic deadline day, the Government U-turned and extended the CJRS scheme.

During the Spring Budget, the Chancellor confirmed that the scheme would run until 30 September 2021 before ending for good. The employer contribution would once again be brought in as we came closer to that end date.

Where are we at today?

As we enter the final month of the CJRS scheme, there have currently been around 12 million employees furloughed, with over 1.3 million employers claiming through the scheme. Although the scheme, unfortunately, did not capture everyone, overall, it has been a tremendous success and a welcome support by many employers & employees across the country.

With life returning to a semblance of pre-Covid normality for many of us, the same applies to the engine rooms at HM Revenue & Customs. As of 30 June 2021, HMRC had opened 6,150 inquiries into suspected overpayments through the CJRS scheme due to error or fraud. It goes without saying that compliance reviews of all the Covid support schemes are going to be top of HMRC’s agenda for the coming years, so being prepared for an inquiry should you be chosen is crucial.

HMRC are encouraging all employers to review their claims submitted in case of mistakes. If an error is found and an overclaim has taken place, this can be offset against your next furlough claim or paid back directly to HMRC.

What can we do to help?

Getting your head around the CJRS rules has been but one complication faced by businesses over the past 18 months, thankfully we have a team full of experts that want to help. If you have received a letter from HMRC regarding your furlough claim, or you just want peace of mind that your claims have been completed in line with Government guidance, contact us today to get a quote on a full CJRS review.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Pierce CA Ltd

Latest news

1

University of Central Lancashire celebrates hat-trick of wins at Educate North Awards University of Central Lancashire winners at Educate North Award Winners 2025

University of Central Lancashire celebrates hat-trick of wins at Educate North Awards

04 Apr 2025

2

The Villa’s sister venue shuts its doors The Villa Levens and The VillaWrea Green (Image credit: The Villa Levens and The Villa Wrea Green)

The Villa’s sister venue shuts its doors

04 Apr 2025

3

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs Manufacturing

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs

03 Apr 2025

4

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer Matthew Ratcliffe CMAC

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer

03 Apr 2025

5

For sale signs at The Villa Villa Wrea Green has been brought to market (Image credit: The Villa Wrea Green)

For sale signs at The Villa

02 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Enhancing Your Workforce with CPD
LBV Hub Networking
08 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Enhancing Your Workforce with CPD

University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

13:15 - 14:15

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin