The partial easing of lockdown, announced on Sunday evening by the Prime Minister, has brought about further changes.
On Tuesday, the Chancellor announced some forthcoming alterations to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Briony McDermott, employment solicitor at Wake Smith, looks at the differences which leave employers asking more questions.
She said: “The furlough scheme will stay in place in its current form until 31 July 2020.
“However from 1 August to 31 October some changes will be brought in which will allow employees to return to work on a part time basis and allow employers more flexibility.
“The flip side to this is that from 1 August the Government will not be footing the bill alone and employers will be required to contribute to the scheme.
“Employees will continue to receive 80% of their salary to ensure that they are not financially impacted further.
“While this is a positive move and should achieve its aim of facilitating the return of furloughed employees to work, it does leave some questions for employers.
“We currently do not know what the contributions from the employers will look like or what would be considered part-time working and whether there would be a minimum or maximum percentage of hours an employee must work for an employer to continue to qualify for support.
“Further guidance on this is expected by the end of May.
“In addition, guidance on how annual leave should be treated when an employee is furloughed has finally been provided.
“One of the main clarifications is that employers can make employees and workers take annual leave whilst furloughed, but that the employer should consider whether the measures in place, such as social distancing, will prevent the employee or worker from enjoying their leave and relaxing, as is the purpose of annual leave under the Working Time Regulations 1998.”
The full guidance is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/holiday-entitlement-and-pay-during-coronavirus-covid-19
For further advice on employment matters at this time contact Briony McDermott at Wake Smith Solicitors on 0114 266 6660
