Businesses will have the flexibility to bring furloughed
employees back to work part-time from today as part of the
government’s plan to re-open the UK and kickstart our economy.
The government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has so
far helped protect more than 9.3 million jobs through the
pandemic, with employers claiming more than £25.5bn to support
wages.
The scheme will remain open until the end of October and will
continue to support jobs and business in a measured way as people
return to work, our economy reopens and the country moves to the
next stage of its recovery.
From today, a month earlier than previously announced, employers
will have the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back to
work on a part time basis.
Individual firms will decide the hours and shift patterns their
employees will work on their return, so that they can decide on
the best approach for them - and will be responsible for paying
their wages while in work.
Chancellor of the Exchequer said:
“Our number one priority has always been to protect jobs and
businesses through this outbreak. The furlough scheme, which will
have been open for eight months by October, has been a lifeline
for millions of people and as our economy reopens we want that
support to continue.
“Giving firms the flexibility to bring back furloughed workers on
a part-time basis will help them work gradually and help them
plan for the months ahead.”
From August, the level of government grant provided through the
job retention scheme will be slowly tapered to reflect that
people will be returning to work. Businesses will be asked to
contribute a modest share, but crucially individuals will
continue to receive that 80% of salary covering the time they are
unable to work.
More information about the changes can be found here.
The government has also announced that businesses who no longer
need the CJRS grants they previously claimed have the option to
voluntarily return them.
This is in direct response to employers asking how they can
return grants voluntarily – and businesses are under no
obligation to do this, but should contact HMRC if they want to
pay the grant back.
Companies across the UK who are bringing back furloughed staff
today include The Drury Tea and Coffee Company, and Yes Energy
Solutions.
Marco Olmi, Managing Director of London-based international
coffee wholesaler The Drury Tea and Coffee Company, said:
“The ability to bring our staff out of
furlough in a flexible manner will be enormously beneficial as
the industry eases out of lockdown. Without this flexibility we
would really struggle to cope as we endeavour to grow turnover
back to something approaching normal levels whilst trying to keep
a lid on short-term costs.”
Duncan McCombie, CEO of Yes Energy
Solutions
“The approach lets us to better manage a fluctuating
workload, where those working are doing some additional
hours. The flexibility will allow us all to better balance
the pressure on those working, support childcare responsibilities
and a ease in a return to work after 100 days for those
furloughed. A great addition to the options available for
business leaders.”
