Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
From 1 August the amount employers will need to contribute to the cost of the scheme is changing. You will now be able to claim 60% of wages up to a cap of £1875 for hours not worked. Employees still to receive 80%, therefore, the employer contribution is required for the remaining 20%.
One day left to renew for 300,000 tax credits customers
Tax credits customers have until 31 July to renew their tax credits claim or risk their payments being stopped.
The quickest and easiest way to complete a renewal is via GOV.UK.
For more information click here.
COVID-19: Ministers to discuss extending testing sites to more workers to tackle ‘pingdemic’
Senior ministers are set to discuss extending the rollout of daily COVID testing sites to ease the concerns of industry and frontline services, by allowing further exemptions from isolation for critical workers.
Using the NHS tracking app is becoming a problem for many businesses – with many staff having to isolate, an increasing number have less staff to enable them to open. To overcome this, new testing sites are being built allowing daily testing to occur.
A total of 800 sites for emergency services, as well as the food industry, was confirmed as of last week.
For the full story, click here.
Apprenticeship grants
If you are thinking of taking on an apprentice in your company, the good news is that you can get assistance from the government. The funding can help you pay for apprenticeship training and assessment, or you can get an apprentice incentive payment which you can use to support your business.
The scheme is for training and assessment, the amount you’ll receive depends on whether you pay for the apprenticeship levy. If this isn’t paid, you’ll need to contribute five per cent towards the costs.
You can also claim an incentive payment for new apprentices who join your organisation. Claim £3,000 for apprentices who start between 1 April 2021 and 30 September 2021. The closing date for applications is 30 November 2021. The money can be used on anything that supports your business costs and it doesn’t need to be paid back.
For the full story, click here.
Flexible office space and hot-desks in Kent see huge surge in demand
Flexible workspace providers in the county have seen a huge surge in enquiries as companies look to change the way they operate post-pandemic.
With the work-from-home guidance now relaxed, many employers are looking at maintaining remote working by securing shared office space for staff looking to find a workplace away from the distractions of home.
This is increasing the demand for hot desks with some now operating a waiting list.
For the full story, click here.
Electric car charging prices ‘must be fair’ say MPs
Charging an electric car at home is much cheaper than using public charge points.
With the government’s plan to ban the sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the government need to make charging affordable as well as accessible for everyone. Making sure people in rural areas have equal access is also a priority.
Demand for power will rise, and MPs have voiced concerns that this could lead to blackouts in parts of the country.
For the full story, click here.
