Confor welcomes opening of job retention scheme

It is suggested that employers read all the available online guidance before applying, and there is a step-by-step guide for additional help. 

Please note: to receive payment by 30 April, employers will need to complete an application by 22 April. 

Employees are advised to speak to their employers with any questions as HMRC won’t be able to answer queries from individual employees. 

Confor chief executive Stuart Goodall welcomed the opening of the scheme. “We are aware that many businesses in the forestry and wood processing sector have taken advantage of the Job Retention Scheme and it is important that they are now able to access funds promptly.” 

“However, we are also aware that there are businesses in the sector who cannot access the Scheme and even for some of those that can, the Scheme will not be enough in itself to protect their business from the effects of Covid-19. Confor continues to raise this point with governments as thoughts turn to economic recovery from the pandemic.” 

Confor would also draw attention to the advice from government that unscrupulous fraudsters are taking advantage of the package of measures announced by the Government to support people and businesses affected by coronavirus. Forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60 599. If you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.