The Government’s Job Retention Scheme portal finally went live on 20th April 2020 after much awaited anticipation from employers eager to submit their furlough claims. Within the first 30 minutes of the portal opening on the 20th, over 67,000 jobs had already been claimed for.
The scheme is being operated by 5,000 HMRC staff manning phone lines and webchat services. According to the HMRC, the portal can process up to 450,000 applications an hour but some businesses have reported issues with the site crashing or timing out whilst they were using it.
Our top tips for using the new portal, based on published feedback and comments we have had from clients who have already submitted their claims are:
- Read the process guide first – the Government have put together a step by step guide for employers, which you can read before you make your claim. This can be accessed here.
- Have all information to hand – you will have to have all the following information to hand before you can make your claim, so have this pre-prepared to make your portal experience easier and quicker:
• Number of employees being furloughed
• Dates to / from of furlough leave
• Details of employees including name and National Insurance number
• Employer PAYE number
• Corporation Tax Unique Taxpayer Reference / Company Registration Number
• Business bank account details
• Organisations registered name
• Organisations address - Set up your Government Gateway ID – to get onto the portal you will need to have a Government Gateway ID and an active PAYE enrolment. Set these up in advance if you don’t already have either of these.
- Make your application in a timely manner – once completing the online process, employers should receive payments within six working days of making an application. So make your claim at least six working days in advance of when you need the money to clear into your business’ bank account. Plan this in accordance with your payroll dates.
- For large claims, use electronic files – larger employers with more than 100 employees furloughed, can upload a file containing the NI numbers, PAYE details and key dates. Employers with less than 100 employees on furlough will need to submit their employees details individually.
- Don’t panic – When you upload your data, the portal will ask you to reload the page. We have heard feedback that this stage is unclear and has caused some employers concern after adding all the above details that they may have lost it. The portal will continue after this reload, so don’t panic and start pressing back on your browser or refresh the page – this is more likely to lead to a timeout or crash. Wait for the system and remain aware of how many other people are likely using the site at the same time as you.
- Keep hold of your claim reference number – it’s a new scheme and a new portal. You may need to phone to with questions or to follow up on your claim. Keep hold of the unique reference number you are given once you get through to the portal’s claim confirmation screen.