Coronavirus job retention scheme eligibility

Jessf83

My husband started a new job on 2nd march. 
He has been laid off unpaid under the terms of his employment contract as the work has dried up. 
He has been told he might not be eligible for the government scheme due to his start date but I can't see anything about this on the gov or mse sites.
Does anyone know more?
Thanks

calcotti

It is for the employer to apply to the scheme if they wish to. They are under no obligation to do so. The employee has b=no control over this. If your income is low look at Universal Credit. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/   There are online calculators to help you assess entitlement  https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Jeremy535897

We don't know whether the employee had to be on the books before 1 March.

selina2000

Jessf83 said:

My husband started a new job on 2nd march. 
He has been laid off unpaid under the terms of his employment contract as the work has dried up. 
He has been told he might not be eligible for the government scheme due to his start date but I can't see anything about this on the gov or mse sites.
Does anyone know more?
Thanks

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

If your employer cannot cover staff costs due to COVID-19, they may be able to to avoid redundancies.

Strikes me that as your employment contract allows your employer to lay you off without pay when there is no work, your employer has no need to access the scheme.

If your salary is reduced as a result of the current situation, you may be eligible for support through the welfare system, including Universal Credit.