Release
JobKeeper payment extension granted to assist with cash flow - Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
28 Apr 2020 10:57 AM
MEDIA STATEMENT
28 April 2020
JobKeeper payment extension granted to assist with cash flow
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise
Ombudsman Kate Carnell says small businesses have been given an extension to
pay their employees under the JobKeeper program.
Small businesses that had concerns about paying their staff
the $1,500 fortnightly JobKeeper payment for the first month prior to payments
flowing in early May, now have until 8 May 2020 to ensure those payments have
been made to their eligible employees.
“This will come as a welcome relief for small businesses
struggling with cash flow,” Ms Carnell says.
“Small businesses now have extra time to deal with cash flow
pressures as a result of any delays with their financial arrangements.
“It’s especially critical now that those small businesses
that had chosen not to apply for JobKeeper because they were worried they
couldn’t pay their staff by April 30, do so now.
“The big four banks have established JobKeeper help lines
that are dedicated to ensuring small businesses have the funding they need to
pay their staff. They are promising to fast-track these applications.
“There are also some fintechs that have released products to
help small businesses with cash flow.
“For those small businesses struggling to pay their rent,
remember you are only covered by the Mandatory Commercial Tenancy Code of
Conduct if you are eligible for JobKeeper, so this could be essential to your
business’ survival.”
Businesses have until 31 May 2020 to formally enrol to claim
JobKeeper payments.
However, the sooner an employer pays their staff for April
and enrols, the sooner the ATO can reimburse them the JobKeeper payments.
Further information can be found at: www.ato.gov.au/general/JobKeeper-Payment
Media contact: Donna
Acioli, 02 6121 5504 / 0413 935 792
Kate Carnell,
0415 662 266