Businesses in Jersey can apply for Phase 2 of the government's payroll scheme from today.

It will cover 80% of workers' wages up to £1,600 a month.

Initially, these subsidies will cover earnings for April, May and June - to help keep people in jobs through the coronavirus pandemic in sectors most affected by the Stay at Home order.

The government is expecting it will support around 27,000 thousand workers and cost £138 million.

It's open to employers and the self-employed, including those that only started trading this year.

Some will be exempt from having to offer 20% pay where they can prove they can't afford it.

Businesses will be required to apply every month for support.

The scheme could be extend if the disruption to the economy extends further into the summer..

“Phase 2 of the Co-funded Payroll Scheme is a substantial and broad scheme which Ministers firmly believe currently provides the right level of payroll support for Jersey.

In these difficult times, we have a scheme that ensures timely support to a large amount of our local workforce – and certainly those who need this help the most.

Ministers are conscious that as the situation progresses, different economic support measures may be required in different parts of the economy, and therefore we have committed to keeping the situation under review.” Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham.

The online application form and more detailed information about the Phase 2 Co- Funded Payroll Scheme, including eligibility, guidance and comprehensive FAQs, can be found here. 

Applications for Phase 1 of the scheme, covering up to £200 per week for employees in a more limited number of sectors, closed yesterday.

780 businesses covering 5,900 employees claimed funding under this scheme, paying out more than £1.7million.