It has been reported that from 20 August the HMRC has been issuing weekly letters to employers who it believes may have mistakenly claimed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme asking them to review the claims they have submitted. It is expected that around 27,000 employers will be contacted in this way, which equates to around 2% of those who have submitted claims. These letters may, for example, be sent to those who have issued claims involving information that significantly differs from the PAYE information the HMRC hold.
This is designed to give employers the chance to correct errors themselves as the HMRC says that it appreciates mistakes happen and it is not seeking to penalise organisations for innocent errors and minor mistakes.
Employers receiving such letters should consider these carefully and seek legal advice. Our employment lawyers are on hand to help you with these letters and reviewing your claims. Please do get in touch.