- businesses can bring furloughed employees back to work
on a part time basis
- firms will be given the flexibility to decide the hours
and shift patterns of their employees – with the government
continuing to pay 80% of salaries for the hours they do not
work
- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has so far helped
protect more than 9.3 million jobs
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
£25.5 billion 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, said:
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.
