Stage One of the Job Retention Scheme (aka Furlough) ended on June 30th, 2020

July 1st marks the start of the second stage of the Job Retention Scheme, kicking off with the introduction of ‘flexible furloughing’. What this means is that employees can be invited back to work for a determined number of hours being payed at 100% for hours worked whilst staying on furlough leave for the remainder of their contracted hours paid at 80%.

Sounds straight forward?

Well not necessarily as employers need to consider the following:

1. How you are going to fairly select who should return to the workplace?
2. Options to rotate staff on/off furlough and flexi-furlough.
3. What consent to a ‘contract of employment variation’ is required from an employee?
4. How to deal with staff who are reluctant to return to work?

Staff wishing to stay on furlough leave

The scheme was introduced to help businesses who were severely affected by Covid-19 whilst also protecting jobs from being made redundant. Many staff on furlough leave have been able to enjoy this time away from the workplace as it has allowed them to:

1. Spend time with partners and children living in the same household.
2. Do daily exercise in their local neighbourhoods.
3. Engage in some studying and learning (even if only zoom meetings).
4. Catch up on those DIY and gardening jobs.
5. Undertake some volunteering.

However, now that employers are starting to bring back staff into the workplace some employees are reluctant to return. In our next post we will cover the reasons staff can request to remain on furlough leave and what to do about those who don’t wish to give up their ‘furloughcation’!

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, including more information about the Job Retention Scheme. To request your complimentary template letters for ‘Coming off furlough’ and ‘Taking up flexi-furlough’ please click here. 

For more information and support for businesses from the gov.uk website, click here.

For more Business Butler Blogs, click here.