Government says that some employers are reporting earnings incorrectly as a result of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

DWP is working closely with HMRC on the issue who have re-enforced guidance and are contacting employers on cases identified, reports Work and Pensions Minister

Some employers are reporting earnings incorrectly as a result of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), the government has said.

Responding to a parliamentary written question as to what steps are being taken to ensure that universal credit claimants are not penalised as a result of delays in being placed on furlough under the CJRS and having backdated payments treated as current income, DWP Minister Will Quince said that while the amount of universal credit paid to claimants reflects 'as closely as possible' the actual circumstances of a household during each monthly assessment period -

'During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been identified that some employers are reporting earnings incorrectly as a result of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. We are working closely with HM Revenue and Customs on this issue who have re-enforced guidance and are contacting employers on the cases we identify.'

Mr Quince's written answer is available from Hansard.