We are conscious of the impact that COVID-19 is having on our Partners and Clients, particularly those in retail and other market segments that have been heavily affected by restrictions and lock-down measures intended to prevent rapid spread of the virus. Cloud Plus has been working closely with Partners and Clients to ensure that their teams have been able to transition to working from home as efficiently and effectively as possible. We have also been working closely with our Suppliers towards providing relief to Partners and Clients that are struggling with service costs as revenues have dropped and cashflow as tightened up.

However, aside from any direct support we can provide, we are also keen to ensure that Partners and Clients are making effective use of initiatives like the JobKeeper Package where applicable to provide much-needed cashflow until restrictions are lifted and the market recovers. While these initiatives from the government can be a godsend where applicable it is not always easy to understand if you qualify for them or how to apply for them such that you can leverage the support they offer.

Modoras, both a highly-valued client and our accountants for many years, have prepared an excellent guide on the JobKeeper Package that steps you through confirming if you qualify for it, how to register your interest, and critical things that you should consider. We trust this will be a handy resource and can highly recommend Modoras for those that are looking for additional support as they consider this and other government initiatives, and generally navigate through these unprecedented times.

How to apply for the JobKeeper Payment

–  Step 1. Find out if you are eligible by taking the five-step discovery test. Please click here to start.
–  Step 2. If you have not enrolled for JobKeeper, you must do so by clicking here.
–  Step 3. Notify employees whom you intend to claim the JobKeeper payment for.
–  Step 4. Have each employee complete the JobKeeper employee nomination notice before the end of April.

Although JobKeeper payments will be backdated from 30 March, payments will begin to be rolled out in the first week of May 2020. The ATO has advised that employers must continue to pay their employees during this period to qualify.

One in, all in

Once an employer nominates to participate in the JobKeeper scheme, all eligible employees must be covered. Employers are unable to select eligible employees on a case by case basis. The ‘one in, all in’ rule is a key feature of the package.

Keeping employees informed

Navigating the new initiative can be confusing for employers and employees alike. A conversation with employees can be beneficial to make sure they are aware that the Government will only pay one of the job stimulus initiatives to each individual:

1. JobKeeper through one employer; and
2. Not in conjunction with the JobSeeker payment.

Are you Single Touch Payroll Compliant?

The JobKeeper Package links directly to Single Touch Payroll (STP). The ATO uses Single Touch Payroll data to pre-populate employee details for the JobKeeper payment. STP is also used by the ATO and Services Australia (DHS) to make sure claims aren’t being made twice. If you would like to know more about STP, please click here.

Want to know more?

As Government stimulus measures are frequently changing, we are continually updating and creating new tools and information for you. To review the latest materials on COVID-19, please click here . This page will be regularly updated, so please check back in from time to time.

Modoras support

Modoras remains committed for your financial confidence, if you have questions or are not sure what action to take during uncertain times, please contact them on (07) 3219 2555 or contacts listed below.