31 October 2020

Covid-19 update – lockdown and financial support

Lockdown – financial support (UK)

Following the Prime Minister’s Covid-19 statement on 31 October, the UK-wide Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will now remain open until December.  

This means employees on furlough will continue to receive 80% of their salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. To be eligible, employees must have been on PAYE payroll by 23.59hrs on 30 October 2020. HMRC is expected to provide more detail on an updated claims service shortly. 

Members should also note that government-backed mortgage payment holidays have been extended by six months without this being recorded on your credit file. The FCA will provide more detail on Monday.

The national lockdown in England

As England prepares for a national lockdown on Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Covid-19 statement reminds everybody that: “This is really important - unless your clinicians tell you otherwise, you should continue to use the NHS, get your scans, turn up for your appointments and pick up your treatments. If at all possible, we want you to continue to access these services, now and through the winter. Indeed it’s only by taking this action that we can protect the NHS for you.”

Primary eye care remains an essential service and Opticians premises (classified as essential retail) will be able to meet the nation’s eye health needs throughout the November lockdown. Members should continue to follow the College of Optometrists Covid-19 guidance and use our Covid-19 resource hub for support and advice on working in a Covid-secure way. You can also contact us for additional help and advice seven days a week by emailing [email protected].