I want to try and keep the information as clear and as simple as I possibly can for everyone, so I won’t be writing out everything again, I will just be writing out the highlights.
There weren’t any big announcements yesterday to do with businesses and the support available, but I have been going through some of the schemes already released and just wanted to update everyone on what I have found out.
1) Job Retention Scheme
There has been clarification on how this scheme works. If your employer chooses to place you on furlough, you must remain on furlough for a minimum of 3 weeks. Your employer can place you on furlough more than once, and one period can follow straight after an existing furlough period, while the scheme is open.
While an employee is on furlough, they are able to undertake training or volunteer but the employee cannot make money for their employer or provide services to their employer.
We don’t know yet exactly how an employer notifies HMRC that their staff have been furloughed, or un-furloughed – but as soon as the system has been designed and is open we will share that information.
If your employer asks you go to on furlough and you refuse, you could be at risk of redundancy or termination of employment, depending on the circumstances of your employer. The employer will need to follow the normal redundancy rules and protections.
The information and policies are continually being updated by the government, so I urge you to keep on top of the information by visiting the relevant website for your area.
UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Wales: https://gov.wales/business-and-employers-coronavirus
Northern Ireland: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/
I will be trying to keep myself as informed as possible and will share relevant information on my fb business page: https://www.facebook.com/ihelmenterprises/