Chancellor announces Job Retention Bonus in Summer Economic Update

08 Jul 2020

On 8 July Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered a Summer Economic Update, which outlined measures designed to boost the UK economy following the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown.

A new Job Retention Bonus was announced, which will provide employers with a one-off £1,000 bonus for each furloughed employee who is still employed as of 31 January 2021. The government hopes the Job Retention Bonus will incentivise firms to retain furloughed workers rather than making redundancies.

VAT will be reduced from 20% to 5% for the next six months for businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector. The VAT reduction will take effect from 15 July, and will apply to eat-in or hot takeaway food from restaurants, accommodation, cinemas, theme parks and zoos.

The Chancellor also announced a temporary increase to the nil-rate band of residential Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) from £125,000 to £500,000 until 31 March 2021. This takes effect immediately and will be in place until 31 March 2021. Please note this only applies in England and Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, a new Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme will provide a 50% reduction for sit-down meals in cafes, restaurants and pubs across the UK from Monday to Wednesday every week throughout August 2020.

Announcing the measures, the Chancellor said: 'Our plan has a clear goal: to protect, support and create jobs. It will give businesses the confidence to retain and hire. To create jobs in every part of our country. To give young people a better start. To give people everywhere the opportunity of a fresh start.'

Copyright

© 2024 Michael Letch & Partners LLP. All rights reserved.

We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.
Contact Us

Please call:
01277 655 626

Quick links

Home | Contact us | Site map | Accessibility | Disclaimer | Privacy | Help |

Address
Michael Letch & Partners LLP, 146 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9DF

Michael Letch & Partners LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registration number OC328815.

Michael Letch & Partners LLP is regulated by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the United Kingdom.

Michael Letch & Partners LLP is also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to carry out specific activities and investment advice (registration number 112064).

The term ‘Partner’ is used to refer to a member of Michael Letch & Partners LLP. A list of members is open to inspection at our registered office at 146 High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9DF.

Michael Letch & Partners LLP is registered to carry out audits in the UK by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.