This update is part of a regular email I send out to businesses in Scunthorpe. If you have not received this email directly from me please click here to subscribe to my COVID-19 Business newsletter.
Update - 27 /03/2020
Good morning,
Just writing to share the most recent update regarding the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The Gov.uk site now provided much more information on the scheme, including eligibility criteria.
If you are an employer can I urge you to please have a look at the full guidance on the Gov.uk site?
Click here to go to the Gov.uk site
The updated guidance provides so much more clarity. The most notable guideline being "Employees who are shielding in line with public health guidance can be placed on furlough."
Key points of this update includes:
- employees on agency contracts can be placed on furlough
- employees on flexible or zero-hour contracts can be placed on furlough
- The scheme also covers employees who were made redundant since 28 February 2020, if they are rehired by their employer.
- To be eligible for the subsidy employers should write to their employee confirming that they have been furloughed and keep a record of this communication.
- Employees hired after 28 February 2020 cannot be furloughed or claimed for in accordance with this scheme.
- You do not need to place all your employees on furlough. However, those employees who you do place on furlough cannot undertake work for you.If your employee is on unpaid leave.
- Employees on unpaid leave cannot be furloughed, unless they were placed on unpaid leave after 28 February.
- Employees on sick leave or self-isolating should get Statutory Sick Pay, but can be furloughed after this.
- Employees who are shielding in line with public health guidance can be placed on furlough.
They also provided clarity on scenarios such as sick leave, holidays, contributions and materinty pay. Please click here to the Gov.uk site for more details.
The Government has supported businesses, with the understanding that businesses will be supporting its workers and employees during this difficult time. I urge you to strongly consider the additional clarity provided above, and, on behalf of your employees, make the most of it.
Lastly, you may have seen the recent news that Boris has tested positive for Corona virus, his symptoms are mild at present and I hope you will join with me in wishing him a speedy recovery. This virus is completely indiscriminate, we are all in it together and I want to thank you for everything you are doing to help us fight it.
Take care,
Holly