Help from the Job Support Scheme if your place of work shuts down

The government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) begins on the 1^st of November, after the Job Retention Scheme (furlough) ends this month. And the Chancellor announced last week that the JSS will be expanded to cover workers whose businesses have been required to close their doors as a result of coronavirus restrictions.

If the firm you work for is legally required to close for a period of time due to local or national lockdown restrictions – for example, in the hospitality industry in a ‘Tier 3’ (Very High Risk) area – the government will pay two thirds of your wages while you are unable to work, up to a maximum of £2,100 a month. Speak to your employer and check the government’s website to find out if you’re eligible for this or any other financial support.

You may also be entitled to Universal Credit or other benefits to top up your income – we have a free benefit calculator you can use to check.

If you’re an existing debt solution customer with us – on a Debt Management Plan, IVA, Debt Arrangement Scheme or Trust Deed – and you’re losing out on income because of this or any other reason, please get in touch as soon as you can, so we can make sure your debt solution is still affordable for you and that you still have enough money available to pay for all your essentials. Whatever’s happening, we can help. You can find information on the best way to contact us here.