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Limited Company Directors Can Furlough Themselves

A reminder that limited company directors can receive assistance through the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). This may assist some members who would otherwise fall through the cracks of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.

Published: 02 April 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Empty stage with music instruments and lights on
We have confirmation that some self-employed workers may be able to access financial support through the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The CJRS scheme means that employers can claim 80% of an employees PAYE salary (up to £2,500) to pay furloughed workers. We have confirmation that this can also apply to those who employ themselves as directors of their own limited companies.

This scheme will only apply to the salary you have given yourself through PAYE, not through any dividends. If you furlough yourself, this will mean you can not have any continued work under your limited company – apart from statutory obligations such as official legal filings. 

For more details on whether you are eligible or not, and how to claim wages if you do furlough your work see the Government’s website.

Many self-employed musicians are likely to be covered by the Government's more recently announced Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. For more details on Government relief schemes, hardship grants and resources for financial advice see our Financial Support page.

No musician left behind

Although the Government’s moves to protect workers during the coronavirus outbreak have been good news for many of our members – it is vital that no musicians are left to fall through the cracks.

We are concerned about the self-employed musicians who are not covered by these new measures, and also how the Government will cover the gap until support is made available through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme June.

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