HMRC reveals April 20 start date for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

HMRC has announced that the web portal for handling Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme claims will go live on April 20, which is earlier than expected.

Under the scheme, the Government will cover 80% of the salaries of 'furloughed' workers, up to a total of £2,500 a month.

HMRC has confirmed that claims can only be made through the new web portal and cannot be made by phone.

Thankfully, HMRC has also confirmed that agents that are authorised to act on behalf of their clients for PAYE matters will be able to make the claims.

This means that I will be able to make the claims in respect of all of my clients.

Businesses will be able to make the claims themselves if they want to, but they will need to have an HMRC online account and be registered for PAYE services.