COVID-19 – Job Retention Scheme Update: Can A Director Be Furloughed?

The Chancellor recently announced plans to support the self-employed, an attempt to bring parity with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for the employed. However, these plans did not include those who pay themselves a salary and dividends through their own company.

We can now confirm it is possible for a Director of a business to be furloughed. A director can do so provided they were paid via PAYE as at 28 Feb 2020. A company Director can still complete their statutory duties, even if furloughed. However, this is the only work they are allowed to undertake.

As a large number of businesses operate as Limited Companies, and many Directors are paid by both Salary and Dividends, many Directors would only be able to claim 80% of their salary. We are aware of lobbying taking place for Government to revise the support packages available to directors of small limited company directors. Updates will be provided should this be successful.