Build UK’s update the industry amid the covid-19 outbreak 

With cash flow the major concern for employers, the launch of the online claims service for the coronavirus job retention scheme today should help to provide some relief.

Check the government’s step by step guide to submitting claims for furloughed employees and, to avoid any delays with your submission, make sure you have got the following to hand before you start:

  • A governmentgGateway ID and password – if you don’t already have an account, you can apply online
  • Be registered for PAYE online – if you aren’t yet registered, you can register online. If you have an agent authorised to act for you on PAYE matters online, they can submit a claim on your behalf
  • The number of furloughed employees you are claiming for with the following information for each individual:
    • Name
    • National Insurance number
    • Payroll or employee number
    • Claim period and full claim amount, including National Insurance contributions and employer minimum pension contributions
  • If you have fewer than 100 furloughed employees, you will need to input the information directly into the system for each employee. If you have 100 or more furloughed employees, you will need to upload a file (.xls .xlsx .csv .ods) with the information
  • The following information for your business:
    • Employer PAYE reference number
    • Unique Taxpayer Reference or Company Registration Number
    • UK bank account and contact details.

The Chancellor confirmed on Friday that the scheme has been extended by one month until 30 June and there is an online calculator to help work out how much can be claimed.

Once you have submitted your claim, you’ll get a claim reference number. HMRC will then check that your claim is correct and pay the claim amount by BACS into your bank account within six working days. Any queries regarding the online service should be directed to the HMRC webchat service.

The coronavirus large business interruption loan scheme will be launched today, offering loans to all viable businesses:

  • Those with a turnover of more than £45m can apply for up to £25m
  • Those with a turnover of more than £250m are eligible for up to £50m

The coronavirus business interruption loan scheme is already available for small and medium-sized businesses, with an annual turnover of up to £45m, to access finance up to £5m.

The Construction Leadership Council task force has developed a short survey on the experiences of businesses accessing loan support and please take a few moments to share your feedback.

Finally, in response to concerns around inspections for newly-built homes, NHBC chief eExecutive Steve Wood has confirmed that service levels continue to be maintained across technical operations, customer services and claims, and they are able to support any on-site demands for inspections and completions, subject to the implementation of the Site Operating Procedures.

Businesses should continue to follow the most up-to-date government guidance and for the latest updates please follow Build UK on Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any construction-specific queries or feedback on what is happening within the industry, please contact Build UK.

Topics