First furlough payments start hitting bank accounts of businesses
THE first furlough payments have started hitting the accounts of 500,000 grateful employers to pass onto millions of staff.
Under the government's coronavirus job retention scheme, cash-strapped employers can claim grants to pay staff who can't currently work due to the coronavirus lockdown.
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At the time, HMRC said the first payments would be made to businesses within six working days, which takes you until tomorrow - April 28.
Another wrote: "Furlough money has now been paid into our business account. This should see us continue to support our staff and our business. Thank you. #newnormal"
While someone else said: "Furlough claim was paid in today."
Millions of people across the UK are expected to benefit from the scheme, according to HMRC, with businesses including Brewdog, Pret a Manger and Timpson using it to ensure staff keep their jobs and are paid while many high street and other non-essential businesses remain closed.
However, some business owners, including Victoria Beckham, Richard Branson and Sir Philip Green, have come under fire for using taxpayers' money to pay wages instead of dipping into their own vast pockets.
Plus, while employers have started to get the cash, it doesn't mean they'll pass it onto employees instantly - you need to contact your boss or HR department to find out when your salary is due.
See our furlough Q&A for more on how the scheme works, and our guide on what to do if your employer refuses to furlough you.