The Association of Jersey Charities (AJC) has welcomed updated guidance from the Government of Jersey that confirms charities that are registered with the Charity Commission, and that have registrations pending, are now able to apply for up to 80% of their employees' salaries through its Co-funded Payroll Scheme.
This second phase of the fund will be launched 1st May.
Previously, the AJC had raised issues with Government, particularly that some charities still have registrations pending, so would not appear, at first sight, to be able to apply for the scheme. The solution offered is for all charities to apply in the way instructed and those charities whose registration has not yet been completed can deal directly with 'ConnectMe' on the gov.je website.
Employers are expected to pay 20% of wages. However, if they are unable to as they have no cash reserves to pay this, then they can still claim under the scheme subject to a declaration. The application process is being developed right now, ready to launch this Friday, 1st May.
Some smaller charities may have difficulty with the application in relation to financial reporting required, and they are being advised to contact 'ConnectMe' at gov.je to ask for help from one of the 425 accounting specialists registered with volunteer.je.
Liz Le Poidevin, chairman of the AJC, said:
“Many charities are now having to dip into their reserves to pay staff so it is very important that they, as employers, also have access to this funding. They have all had to cancel vital fundraising events that would normally see them through. Their staff are vitally important to their normal activities, and at the moment, many of them are going above and beyond to help their clients remotely. It is therefore welcomed that all charities can apply, including those charities still waiting for their applications to be processed by the Charity Commissioner.”
Charities can apply to the co-funded payroll scheme via the gov.je website.