HMRC plans to recover £1 billion from fraudulent furlough claims over the next 2 years

Since the introduction of the furlough scheme back in March 2020, more than £60 billion has been claimed through the furlough scheme.

Whilst the furlough scheme has been used to protect over 11 million jobs, there have been instances where the scheme has been exploited.

Last month a couple from Yorkshire were arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected £3.4 million Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme fraud.

Over the next two years, HMRC plans to recover over £1 billion from fraudulent furlough claims.

An official from HMRC has said that a number of criminal investigations will be launched into serious fraud. This follows an announcement from HMRC Chief Jim Harra in September, who said the amount for fraudulent or mistaken furlough claims could total around £3.5 billion.

In April 2021, HMRC launched a new taskforce of 1,250 staff to investigate fraudulent furlough claims. Investigators will be cross-referencing claims under the furlough scheme with other records, such as the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

HMRC has urged anyone who suspects their employer may be abusing any of the coronavirus support packages to report it to HMRC via their online portal or call 0800 788 887.

Subsequently, if you suspect you have falsely claimed under any of the coronavirus support packages, our experts can guide you through the process and make disclosures to HMRC on your behalf. We can also offer help and advice for your business to ensure you are meeting the requirements of the schemes and not committing any acts of fraud.

Get in touch via our contact page, email us at info@sptaxeurope.co.uk or call 01704 891676.