No Budget, but what is Rishi’s Winter Economy Plan?

On the same day that new coronavirus restrictions came into force across the UK, chancellor Rishi Sunak laid out his Winter Economy Plan – this year’s Budget is, of course, postponed.

As we move into the next phase of the government’s response to the pandemic, this plan is intended to support the economy and give further reassurances to businesses and workers.

Here are the main points for dentists and dental practice owners:

Job Support Scheme

To replace furlough, or the Job Retention Scheme, which ends on October 31, the Job Support Scheme (JSS) will begin on November 1. The JSS will run for six months, with Mr Sunak making it clear that businesses will not be able to make workers who are on this scheme redundant throughout its duration.

The JSS is a targeted measure; all small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are eligible, even if they did not furlough; larger businesses will have to prove that their turnover has fallen.