HMRC publish CJRS guidance, calculator and timeframes

HMRC has released a guide to assist employers in calculating wage figures, as well as for making a claim through the portal.

The Treasury has confirmed that the system can process up to 450,000 applications an hour and that grants will be paid within six working days.

HMRC chief executive Jim Harra told the BBC’s Today (April 20) programme: "The big payroll date this month is on the 30th, so employers can claim anytime today, tomorrow or on Wednesday, and there’s time to get that money into their account for the 30th of April.”

This follows the news that the scheme will be extended by one month, from the end of May to the end of June, to reflect continuing social distancing measures. However, the chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said he would keep the scheme under review and extend it if necessary.

He added: “It is vital for people’s livelihoods that the UK economy gets up and running again when it is safe to do so, and I will continue to review the scheme so it is supporting our recovery.”