UK: HMRC, which has implemented the UK government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), has announced that these programmes have been used to support almost 1.5 million hospitality workers.
These schemes have been extended until October, ensuring that employers can continue to function.
The twin measures were announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in the early days of lockdown as part of the government’s multibillion-pound support package. According to internal statistics, 1,403,300 employees have been put on furlough in accommodation and food services by 31 May 2020.
Sunak said in a statement: “The UK Government is doing everything we can to protect jobs and businesses across the UK during the crisis. Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported the livelihoods of millions and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible.”
For self-employed hospitality employees, of which the scheme notes 56,000, a further extension has been added to the SEISS. Those registered will be able to collect a second and final grant of £6,750 in August.
In total, the combined schemes have paid out £2.748 billion to those in need of financial support during this global crisis.
Though the government has provided significant support to the economy, business leaders called on the treasury to incentivise private investment into the country earlier this week. Furthermore, draft discussions about the reopening of hospitality are beginning to circulate, with some speculating that the two-metre distancing rule may have harsh consequences for many businesses.</p
