CARDENDEN and Kinglassie MP Peter Grant is reminding employers of the imminent cut-off date of June 30, by which HMRC needs notified of any new employees who had been furloughed by 10th June.

The furlough scheme has been in operation wince the start of the 'lockdown' situation back in March but has been extended at various stages.

Under the “furlough scheme” the UK Government pay 80% of the salary of employees who are unable to work because of coronavirus restrictions.

The scheme has been seen as a key element of the bid by the Westminster Government to retain jobs over the lockdown period.

Mr Grant said: “The last date for which a company can advise HMRC of a furloughed employee is fast approaching.

"I want to make sure that all companies are aware of this cut-off date. The furlough scheme is very far from ideal and I’m still dealing with a number of cases where employees have missed out for no obvious reason, but for the thousands of workers in my constituency who have qualified for support it has often made the difference between being kept in employment and being made redundant".

The Glenrothes and Central Fife MP added: “I am also very conscious of the financial difficulties facing many businesses right now and the problems this could pose if a company missed the cut-off date".

There are hundreds of people in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area currently on furlough as they await the re-opening of the businesses they work for.