19 June 2020
From today, more self-employed Islanders will be able to claim for income they have lost during the COVID-19 outbreak. This follows an amendment to the Government Co-Funded Payroll Scheme (CFPS) Phase 2.
The amendment, which has been approved by Ministers, applies to people who earn some of their income from employment, and some from self-employment.
Under the original CFPS Phase 2, only people who paid Class 2 contributions on their self-employment income were able to claim for their business income. In many cases, this meant that Islanders who supplemented their employment income with income from self-employment were not able to claim.
This amendment will allow self-employed Islanders who do not pay Class 2 social security contributions to claim under CFPS.
To qualify, an individual will need to:
- have a business license which was issued by the Population Office no later than 31 March 2020
- provide evidence of planned activity in the month for which they want to claim
- operate a business in an industry that qualifies for support from CFPS
Any claims will be based on the person’s total trading income in that month and they will be entitled to the same support as self-employed people who are registered for Class 2 contributions. Individuals have until 30 June to claim for income lost in April and May, and will be able to claim for June, July and August when applications for those months open.
Self-employed Islanders who qualify for this support can claim for up to £1600 of self-employment income per month. This figure is separate from any support they may receive for their loss of employment income. They can also claim for lost self-employment income, even if they are already claiming for income lost through employment.
Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Susie Pinel: “We developed the Co-Funded Payroll Scheme to support Islanders’ incomes and ensure that Islanders didn’t face severe financial hardship due to COVID-19.
“This amendment allows us to extend that support to more self-employed Islanders, and I’d like to express my sincere thanks to the officers who have developed this solution.”
Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources, Senator Ian Gorst, said: “Small businesses - many of which are run by self-employed Islanders - are vital to the Island’s economy. This amendment to the CFPS allows the Government to ensure that more of these businesses survive this crisis.”
Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “My Ministers are I are committed to supporting small businesses, start-ups and innovators to create a vibrant Island economy.
"We recognise that many entrepreneurs may still rely on paid employment to support their fledgling businesses. This amendment will support them through this difficult time.”
Amended guidance for Co-funded Payroll Scheme
gov.je