Trade Union Reforms Resource Pack
Download expert guidance on UK trade union reforms and prepare your organisation for Employment Rights Act changes.
Read more
The UK Government has recently announced a new support package after growing pressure to support businesses and protect jobs. The current Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) ends on 31 October 2020 and so we take a look at what this new package has to offer.
Employment|14 October 2020
Insight
The new Job Support Scheme (JSS) is designed to protect viable jobs in businesses who are facing closure and/or a lower demand over the winter months due to COVID-19.
For those businesses that are legally required to close for some period over the winter months due to local or national coronavirus restrictions, the Government will pay two-thirds of employees’ salaries up to a maximum of £2,100 a month for staff who cannot work.
For those businesses that have not legally been required to close but have a lower turnover now than before experiencing difficulties from COVID-19, the Government will assist in paying staff for any hours not worked. Businesses will be expected to continue to pay staff for time worked (a minimum of 33% of their usual hours is required in order for businesses to be eligible), with the burden of the hours not worked being split between the employer and the Government. The Government’s contribution will be capped at £697.92 per month and the scheme will not cover Class 1 employer National Insurance Contributions or pension contributions, as these contributions will remain payable by the employer. This scheme will begin on the 01 November 2020 and will run for a period of six months.
Larger businesses will have to undertake a financial assessment test to determine whether they are eligible for assistance. However, there will be no financial assessment for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Example:
The JSS will be reviewed in three months’ time and further guidance is expected in due course.
Please note, the information included in this update is correct at the date of publishing.
Contact Us
For further guidance and advice, please contact us on 01332 226 149 or complete the form below.
Related Services
Knowledge
Download expert guidance on UK trade union reforms and prepare your organisation for Employment Rights Act changes.
Read moreEmployment law tips for employers managing absence, flexibility and inclusion during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Read MoreGuidance for employers on managing workplace distraction, excessive phone use and digital overload at work.
Read MoreKey April 2026 changes to trade union recognition rules and what employers should do ahead of wider reforms later this year.
Read MoreGovernment consultation begins on NDA restrictions under the Employment Rights Act 2025, with changes expected from 2027.
Read MoreEmployers can voluntarily publish menopause and gender pay gap action plans from April 2026 ahead of the 2027 legal requirement.
Read MoreUnderstand SSP 2026 updates, employer responsibilities, and common pitfalls to keep your business compliant and protect staff rights.
Read MoreEAT confirms employers should assess redundancies forward-looking, not retrospectively, when deciding if collective consultation is needed.
Read MoreLearn the 2026 National Minimum Wage rates, common employer pitfalls, and how to stay compliant with new Fair Work Agency rules.
Read MoreERA 2025 reforms take effect February 2026, changing industrial action rules, employee protections, and union obligations.
Read MoreTuesday
25
March
Join us for breakfast and networking, followed by our expert speaker presentation, a roundtable discussion, and a Q&A session.
Book your placeWednesday
26
March
Employment law update on family leave rights for 2026. Practical guidance, new entitlements and live Q&A for employers.
Book your placeScroll to next section
Scroll back to the top
On Monday 29 September, Flint Bishop successfully completed the acquisition of the entire business of Lupton Fawcett LLP. You have been forwarded to the page most relevant to your visit.
Please feel free to explore our website and learn more about our legal services and professionals, including those who have recently joined us from Lupton Fawcett.