Key Headline Announcements

On Wednesday, 8 July 2020, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, pledged to protect, support and create jobs and get pubs and restaurants going again as he unveiled a package to kickstart the economy’s recovery.

While updates to the associated Treasury Direction and HMRC’s Guidance are awaited, the key updates are as follows:

Job Retention Bonus

• The Chancellor announced new job retention bonus for employers who bring back furloughed staff.
• UK Employers will receive a one-off bonus of £1,000 for each furloughed employee still employed as of 31 January 2021.

VAT

• VAT on food, accommodation and attractions has been cut from 20% to 5%, a £4bn boost for the industry.
• This will save households £160 per year on average.
• VAT will be reduced from 15 July 2020 until 12 January 2021

Stamp Duty

• The Chancellor announced a temporary holiday on stamp duty to help revive the property market.
• Previously, there was no stamp duty on transactions below £125,000 (or £300,000 for first-time buyers).
• Now, homebuyers will be temporarily exempt from paying the Stamp Duty tax for the first £500,000 of any property price.
• It takes effect immediately from 8 July 2020 until 31 March 2021.

Kickstart Scheme

• £2 billion ‘Kickstart Scheme’ to create thousands of fully subsidised jobs for 16-24 year olds, claiming Universal Credit at risk of long-term unemployment. Funding covers 100% of National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week for a 6-month employment term.
• It will also pay £1,500 for every new apprentice above 25.
• For the next six months, the Government will pay businesses up to £2000 for every new apprentice.

50% Meals Discounts

• Every Briton, including adults and children, will be given an “eat out to help out” discount.
• Meals eaten at any participating restaurants, on sit-down meals and non-alcoholic drinks, Monday to Wednesday in the month of August will be 50% off at up to £10 per head.

£3bn Green jobs plan

• The Chancellor announced a £3bn package of green investment to help create thousands of jobs.
• The grants will cover at least two thirds of the cost, up to £5,000 per household.