Job Retention Scheme (aka Furlough) extended to March 31st 2021

A Guest Blog by Deb Barrow, HR Expert.

Although the scheme was scheduled to end on November 30th 2020, it has now been extended to March 31st 2021, whilst the start of the Job Support Scheme has been delayed.

So, what are the details and are they different from the original scheme?

• Any employee on the payroll by October 30th 2020 can be placed on furlough leave even if they haven’t previously been furloughed
• 80% of employee wages will be paid by the government and the employer will need to pay National Insurance and Pension contributions
• Flexi-furlough will still apply meaning that an employee can work some hours and be on furlough leave for their remaining hours. Worked hours are paid as normal in full by the employer
• Any employee serving notice, including notice due to redundancy, will not be eligible for the scheme
• As before, an employee will need to agree to furlough leave as it represents a variation to the terms of their Contract of Employment
• Annual leave will continue to accrue whilst an employee is furloughed

Redundancy

Furlough leave was introduced to help businesses who were severely affected by Covid-19 whilst also protecting jobs from being made redundant. However, unfortunately we are already seeing a rise in redundancies.

Please let us know if you need any advice or support with

• Writing a Redundancy policy
• How to select posts for redundancy
• Consulting with staff at risk of redundancy
• Carrying out a redundancy process

Speak to an HR expert

Human Resources issues are often complex and because they are so important it is vital that you receive the help of an HR professional when facing such matters. My name is Deb Barrow and I am delighted to be part of the Business Butler panel of experts.

As a fully qualified HR professional, I can provide advice and support regarding all aspects relating to the employment of staff.

For any further information please click here, or text 07702-302-072 to book a free of charge telephone appointment.

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