14,000 people in North West Norfolk have received financial support through the government's Job Retention and Self-Employment Income Support Schemes.
Newly released figures show that up to 31st May 2020, 10,400 jobs had been furloughed through the Government's Job Retention Scheme in North West Norfolk , equivalent to about 19% of the local population aged 16-64. On average, 21% of the population have been furloughed in the UK.
An additional 3,600 claims were made to the Self Employment Income Support scheme, equivalent to 71% of the potentially eligible population in North West Norfolk. This compares to a take up rate of 70% of the potentially eligible population in the UK as a whole.
James, said -
This has been a time of unprecedented difficulty and disruption for many local businesses.
The government's generous package of support has been gratefully received by many employees and business owners.
Further details about the schemes
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been extended with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant in August. The grant will be worth 70% of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has also been extended, including improved flexibility. From 1 July 2020, businesses will be given the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back part time. This is a month earlier than previously announced to help support people back to work. Individual firms will decide the hours and shift patterns their employees will work on their return, so that they can decide on the best approach for them - and will be responsible for paying their wages while in work. From August 2020, the level of government grant provided through the job retention scheme will be slowly tapered to reflect that people will be returning to work. That means that for June and July the government will continue to pay 80% of people’s salaries. In the following months, businesses will be asked to contribute a modest share, but crucially individuals will continue to receive that 80% of salary covering the time they are unable to work.
The scheme updates mean that the following will apply for the period people are furloughed:
- June and July: The government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 as well as employer National Insurance (ER NICS) and pension contributions. Employers are not required to pay anything.
- August: The government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500. Employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions – for the average claim, this represents 5% of the gross employment costs the employer would have incurred had the employee not been furloughed.
- September: The government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50. Employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions and 10% of wages to make up 80% total up to a cap of £2,500. For the average claim, this represents 14% of the gross employment costs the employer would have incurred had the employee not been furloughed.
- October: The government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875. Employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions and 20% of wages to make up 80% total up to a cap of £2,500. For the average claim, this represents 23% of the gross employment costs the employer would have incurred had the employee not been furloughed.