Businesses have furloughed 1,609,800 jobs in wholesale and retail, up to 31st May, 2020, since the CJRS was launched on 20th April, 2020. This is to help UK employers who have been severely affected by coronavirus to retain their employees and protect the UK economy. An announcement was made on 12th May that the scheme will run until the end of October to continue the support for jobs and businesses as people return to work.
The SEISS was rolled out ahead of schedule in May and has financially supported 127,000 self-employed individuals in wholesale and retail who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus outbreak. On 29th May, 2020, the Chancellor announced an extension to this scheme. Those eligible to claim the SEISS grant will be able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,750.
In total, for both schemes, a total of £3.707 billion has been paid out up to 31st May, 2020. Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "The UK Government is doing everything we can to protect jobs and businesses across the UK during the crisis. Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported the livelihoods of millions and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible."
Further guidance on both schemes is available at www.gov.uk
