During the initial lockdown period (impacting the wider
geographical area of Scotland, England and Wales) we were able to provide
Furlough payments to our employees that were affected, incrementally,
month-ending April, May, June and July. We were able to accommodate the CJRS scheme
during this period as the Government incurred all associated costs concerning
any PAYE payments under the furlough banner.

From August 2020, the percentage of government subsidy provided
via CJRS began a gradual declining taper, employers became responsible for
higher costs on any furlough payment made. Due to the necessary contractual
arrangements between any umbrella company and the contractual supply chain, the
umbrella company was no longer in a position to claim support funds for
contract based employee. As a result, Charteris was unable to continue
processing Furlough payments – effective from August 2020.  You will have
received an email from us at this time explaining that we were no longer able
to make furlough payments.

 In relation to the new furlough parameters – per the Government
website (Gov.uk), “The CJRS is being extended until April 2021. The level of the
grant will mirror levels available under the CJRS in August” Thus, Charteris is
once again unable to process CJRS payments without trading at a direct loss.

Had the Chancellor announced a more robust furlough platform
akin to that in place April-July 2020 we would, of course, be in a position to
make necessary CJRS payments to any of our eligible contractors.