Most COVID-19 restrictions have been removed in Scotland.

However, First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has urged people to still be cautious amid the relaxation of restrictions.

Many of the remaining COVID-19 rules in Wales were also lifted on Saturday.

What changed in Scotland on Monday?

• Physical distancing is no longer a legal requirement (separate rules apply for schools).
• All remaining venues and businesses can now reopen
• There are no longer limits on the size of social gatherings.

Which restrictions are still in place in Scotland?

• Crucially, home working is still advised wherever possible.
• Face coverings are mandatory on public transport and in a range of indoor settings, see GOV advice for a list.

What has changed in Wales?

• All businesses, including nightclubs, can reopen.
• Social distancing has ended, although businesses must conduct risk assessments and people are still urged to socially distance.
• Fully vaccinated adults, under-18s and vaccine trial participants no longer need to self-isolate when identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
• There are no longer legal limits on events.

Which rules remain in place in Wales?

• Crucially, home working is still advised wherever possible.
• Businesses must carry out risk assessments to see if social distancing is needed.
• Face coverings remain compulsory in many public indoor spaces, but not bars, pubs and restaurants. See official government advice for further information.

If you have questions about keeping your staff and business safe during the lifting of COVID restrictions, please contact us for advice.

 

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Friday 23 July 2021

Some critical sector workers may be exempt from self-isolation

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Friday 16 July 2021

Mandatory vaccines for care home staff in England

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Monday 5 July 2021

How COVID-19 restrictions are expected to end in England

 

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Thursday 17 June 2021

COVID vaccine to become compulsory for care home staff in England, subject to parliamentary approval

Following a consultation by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in April, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed that COVID-19 vaccination will become a mandatory requirement for care home staff in England.

The new legislation, which is subject to Parliamentary approval, is expected to come into force from October.

Those working in CQC-registered care homes will have 16-weeks from the legislation commencement date to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated with both doses.

Are there any exceptions?

The new rule will apply to all workers employed by care homes, agency workers working in care homes, those volunteering in care homes, and those visiting to do other work, such as healthcare workers, tradespeople, hairdressers, beauticians and CQC inspectors, unless they have a medical exemption. This rule only applies to people who need to enter the building.

Further exceptions are expected to include the emergency services and people undertaking urgent maintenance work. Visiting family and friends and under 18’s will also be exempt.

There are currently no plans for COVID-19 vaccinations to become mandatory for care home staff in Scotland and Wales.

What do I need to do?

As the legislation will not come into place until October, you will not need to make any immediate changes regarding your workforce.

However to help staff prepare, it is a good idea to promote accurate information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine to your workforce using the Public Health Employer Toolkit.

You may also want to consider some workforce planning if you know that some staff do not plan on having the vaccine for personal reasons. If this is the case, and you need advice on how to handle this fairly, or would like to discuss your future recruitment strategy, please contact us.

 

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Tuesday 15 June 2021

COVID restrictions in England will not be fully lifted on June 21

In a televised address, Prime minister Boris Johnson delivered the news that COVID restrictions will not be fully lifted in England next week.

June 21 had been dubbed “Freedom Day” with many people hoping that legal restrictions on social distancing and capacity would be lifted.

In his announcement, the Prime Minister confirmed that a four-week delay would be imposed to allow more time for vaccinations. A review will take place two weeks from Monday, which could see restrictions lifted sooner than July 19 if there is data to support this.

Changes that will go ahead from Monday include:

• Weddings and wakes: Guest numbers no longer limited to 30.
• Care homes: Residents will no-longer be required to isolate for 14 days upon returning from external visits. Exceptions apply.

What does the news mean for employers?

The Prime Minister has high hopes for the full lifting of restrictions on July 19. For now, working from home is still advised where possible and social distancing measures remain in place.

What’s going on in Scotland?

Scotland is expected to transition to level 0 on June 28, however First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will provide an update on Monday to reveal if the lifting of restrictions will go ahead as planned.

What’s going on in Wales?

There is no fixed date for when all COVID restrictions will be lifted in Wales. An update on any further developments is expected to be provided on June 21.

If you have questions about people management for your business during this time, please contact your local HR Dept.

 

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Tuesday 25 May 2021

Coronavirus advice updated for eight areas in England

Guidance on what you can and cannot do in the following areas has been updated in response to the new variant of Coronavirus:

• Bedford Borough Council
• Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
• Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
• Burnley Borough Council
• Kirklees Council
• Leicester City Council
• London Borough of Hounslow
• North Tyneside Council

Indoor meetings should be avoided where possible and people should minimise travel in and out of affected areas. Working from home is still advised where possible.

Read the full updated guidance or contact your local HR Dept for advice on managing your people.

What’s happening elsewhere?

Scotland: It was announced last Friday that Glasgow will remain in the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions, Level 3, for a further week until review.

Wales: All of Wales is currently at alert level 2

Contact us if you have questions about your people management during this time.

 

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Updated: Temporary Right to Work adjustments are ending soon

On 30 March last year, temporary adjustments were made for Right to Work checks so that employers could continue to carry out the process during COVID-19 restrictions.

The changes that were introduced are:

• Checks can be carried out over video calls.
• Job applicants and existing workers can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals.
• Employers should use the Employer Checking Service if a prospective or existing employee cannot provide any of the accepted documents.

In line with the current easing of lockdown restrictions, these temporary adjustments to the Right to Work check process will end on 20th June 2021 (the previously announced end date was 16 May 2021).

From 21st June onwards employers must either check the applicant’s original documents or, where applicable, check the applicants right to work online (If the employee has provided their share code).

There is no requirement to carry out retrospective checks for those who have had or will have COVID-19 adjusted checks between 30 March 2020 and 20 June 2021 (inclusive).

Performing a Right to Work check is a legal requirement when hiring staff. Employers must take care to follow guidance and avoid discrimination during the process.

Further information can be found in the government’s employer’s guide. If in doubt, please contact your local HR Dept for advice.

 

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Monday 12 April 2021

Wales brings forward plans to ease lockdown

Mark Drakeford announced last week, due to the improvements to infection rates Wales will be considering to bringing forward some of their plans to ease lockdown. The following changes will be reviewed and confirmed on the 22nd April.

The plans which effect businesses within Wales are:

• Wedding receptions and organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can now take place from the 26th April as opposed to the 3rd May
• Gyms, leisure centres and other fitness facilities can reopen from the 3rd May as opposed to the 10th May

As a reminder for England and Wales from Monday 12th April the following are able to re-open:

• Schools, although further education and universities are to continue offering blended face to face and online learning to students.
• All non-essential shops
• Massage therapists, tattoo studios and other close contact services
• Wedding venues can resume viewings by appointment
• Driving lessons

Travel in and out of Wales from the United Kingdom is now permitted without the requirement for ‘reasonable excuse’.

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Friday 19th March 2021

Changes to advice on shielding for some people from April

The Government has announced that advice on shielding for the clinically extremely vulnerable in England will be changing from Thursday 1st April.

In response to a fall in virus infection rates, clinically extremely vulnerable people are expected to receive a letter from the government explaining that they will no longer be advised to shield.

Who is clinically extremely vulnerable?

Not to be confused with the clinically vulnerable, the clinically extremely vulnerable is a separate group.

Those considered clinically extremely vulnerable should have a letter from the NHS. More information can be found on the NHS website.

Eligibility for SSP

From 1st April, clinically extremely vulnerable employees will no longer be eligible for SSP (Statutory Sick Pay) or ESA (Employment Support Allowance) on the basis of being advised to shield.

They may be eligible for SSP or ESA on other grounds such as ill health or incapacity to work.

Returning to work

From 1st April, these employees can attend a COVID secure workplace if they cannot work from home.

If you need advice managing clinically extremely vulnerable employees, contact your local HR Dept.

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Wednesday 17th March 2021

Key dates for lockdown easing in Scotland

Yesterday afternoon, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced Scotland’s timetable for a planned phase out of the current lockdown.

From Friday 2nd April the main “stay at home” message will become “stay local”.

From Monday 5th April, further restrictions are to be lifted if data remains encouraging. These include:

• Non-essential retail click and collect services can resume.
• The following businesses will be permitted to re-open
  -Hairdressers and barbers (with shopfronts), by appointment only
  -Vehicle showrooms by appointment only
  -Homeware shops
  -Electrical repair shops
  -Baby and mobility equipment shops
  -Key cutting shops
• Some college students will return. With all children expected to return to school full-time around mid-April

From Friday 26th April a more significant re-opening of the economy and society is expected. Such as:

• Outdoor socialising to be extended to 6 people from up to 3 households.
• Remaining shops can re-open and mobile close contact services can resume
• Gyms permitted to re-open for individual exercise
• Tourist accommodation to re-open (rules on indoor gatherings applied to self-catering accommodation)
• Work in people’s homes can resume
• Driving lessons can resume
• Weddings and funerals for up to 50 people, including wakes and receptions will be permitted
• Libraries, museums and galleries can re-open
• Outdoor hospitality can open until 22:00 with alcohol permitted.
• Indoor hospitality can open until 20:00 without alcohol.

From 17th May it is hoped that the following can be permitted:

• Bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes can stay open until 22:30 indoors, 22:00 outdoors
• Small scale indoor and outdoor events can resume, subject to capacity
• Cinemas, amusement arcades and bingo halls can re-open, subject to capacity
• Indoor group exercise and outdoor adult sports to resume

If you are planning to bring staff back to work in line with the government timetable, and need professional advice on people management and best practice HR, please do get in touch.

 

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Monday 15th March 2021

Wales takes first steps to re-open

Addressing the nation last Friday, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced how the current COVID-19 lockdown restrictions will gradually begin to lift in Wales.

The new key message is for people to “stay local”.

The following changes came into effect today:

• All primary pupils and those in qualifications years return to school. It is expected that all learners will return after the Easter break.
• Hairdressers and barbers can re-open by appointment only.

From Monday 22nd March:

• Non-essential aisles in supermarkets will be able to re-open as will garden centres.

If public conditions continue to be favourable, the following is planned from Friday 27th March:

• Self-contained holiday accommodation can re-open for one household.
• Libraries can re-open
• Organised outdoor children’s activities can restart.

From Monday 12th April:

• All other shops, including all close contact services, will be able to open, in line with the current guidance for England.

If you have questions about bringing staff back to work, please contact us.

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Wednesday 3rd March 2021

Furlough extended until the end of September

Today’s Budget announcement revealed that the furlough scheme has been extended until the end of September. Up until now the scheme was scheduled to end in April.

Following on from the Government’s recent phased route out of lockdown, the extension of the furlough scheme will provide support to businesses in need throughout the summer.

Furloughed employees will continue to receive up to 80% of their salary, with employers contributing National Insurance and pension payments until July.

As businesses reopen, employers’ contributions will increase to:

• 10% in July
• 20% in August
• 20% in September

‘Restart Grants’ and recovery funding
The budget also revealed that grants will be made available from April to help eligible businesses get back on their feet.

Struggling high street shops, hospitality venues, salons, and gyms, amongst others, are expected to benefit from grants of up to £18,000 per business.

A new Recovery Loan Scheme will be available for businesses of any size to apply for loans from £25,000 to £10 million.

A £700 million recovery package has been budgeted to help businesses and venues in the sports and culture sectors.

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Tuesday 23rd February 2021

Scottish lockdown restrictions ease

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland revealed the Scottish Governments plans for easing the current lockdown cautiously.

The First Ministers announcement confirmed that, in addition to child care, early learning and primary school years 1-3 are able to return, the following phases will take place:

Phase one, which is unlikely to take effect before the 15th March:
• Primary school students in years 4 to 7 and more secondary years to return to school for parts of their classes
• Phased return for Colleges and Universities
• Non-contact sports for 12 – 17 year olds will be allowed

Phase two, taking place in April:
• All school will reopen by the 5th April
• Stay at home restrictions are expected to be lifted
• Places of worship will open with limited numbers of 20
• Non-essential retail, hospitality, gyms and hairdressers can expect to be able to open in a phased approach near the end of April.

Phase three, expected to take place from the 26th April:
• Scotland will re-adopt the tiered local system to re-open the economy and society
• International travel will still not be permitted.

These phases are dependant on the level of infection, and may change as data is collected.

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Monday 22nd February 2021

Roadmap of easing lockdown restrictions revealed

The Prime Minister announced today that the lockdown restrictions in England will be eased in a four-step process with at least five weeks between each steps roll out. As the level of infection is similar across the country, the restrictions will be eased consistently also. These steps and their effects on businesses and employees are detailed as follows:

Step one:

• 8th March: Schools, colleges and universities will be opened. Secondary school and college students are to continue wearing masks in class and communal areas.
• 29th March: Outdoor sports facilities will be able to open allowing organised adult and children sports activities to return.
• 29th March: Stay at home order will be legally lifted but you are still advised to stay local wherever you can

The following steps are subject to change if there are delays in the distribution and effectiveness of vaccinations.

Step two, from the 12th of April

• Non-essential retail, hair and nail salons, Libraries and museums to open
• Outdoor pubs and restaurants will be able to open to households or the rule of six
• Outdoor attractions to also open, such as zoos and theme parks
• Holiday lets to allow accepting households

Step three, from the 17th May

• Rest of the accommodation sector to open
• Indoor pubs and restaurants to open
• Cinemas, Theatres, soft play areas and indoor venues will be able to open subject to COVID Safe risk assessments
• Sporting events accept audiences, with restricted numbers

Step four will take place from the 21st of June:

• Remove legal limits on social distancing
• Reopen any remaining businesses including nightclubs
• Remove limits on weddings, funerals and other life events.

Throughout these steps it is advised that testing is available for those unable to work from home, care workers, NHS frontline, Schools, College and Universities and hauliers.

Further details of financial support for businesses and self-employed to be revealed during the budget announcement on 3rd March by Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer

Wales

Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales announced on Friday 19th February that Lockdown measures will continue for a further three weeks to allow children aged three to seven to return to school in a phased way.

From the 1st of March Licensed wedding venues, hotels and visitor attractions can open to perform weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

The next three-week review will consider restrictions around non-essential retail and close contact services, if numbers continue to fall.

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Thursday 11th February 2021

Free rapid COVID testing expanded for eligible businesses

Rapid COVID testing, also known as lateral flow testing, has previously been accessible for businesses registered in England that employ 250+ employees who cannot work from home and who provide essential services during the pandemic.

In a drive to increase COVID testing in the workplace, the UK government has expanded the program through a change in eligibility criteria.

Businesses must now meet the following requirements to order free rapid tests for employees:

• Business must be registered in England
• Employ 50 people or more
• Employees cannot work from home

Testing is being encouraged even in the absence of symptoms to help reduce the risk of transmission. The process may also instill confidence in those employees who cannot work from home and continue to go into work during the pandemic.

Tests for eligible businesses can be ordered through the UK government website and are free for employers until 31st March.

Employers in Scotland and Wales should follow guidance as per their local government.

 

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Friday 8th January 2021

Tighter restrictions in Wales

Wales is tightening restrictions in response to the highly transmissible coronavirus strain in circulation.

Wales has been under alert level 4 since December 20, requiring people to stay at home. Today, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that the restrictions under alert level 4 are to be strengthened, with lockdown continuing until at least January 29.

Schools and colleges will remain closed for most pupils until the next review meeting on January 29. Unless a significant reduction in transmission occurs by then, they will remain closed until the next review date, which is scheduled for after the February half term break.

Children who are vulnerable and children of key workers will still be able to access school.

The government is also looking to strengthen protection in major supermarkets and workplaces that need to remain open, although it has not yet been revealed what this will entail.

Employers may find that the working parents on their team need extra support during this time as they juggle remote work with home schooling. The furlough scheme, which is open until the end of April, may be an option.

 

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Tuesday 5th January 2021

Lockdown in England started today

Due to the new variant of coronavirus risking pressure on the NHS, prime minister Boris Johnson has announced a lockdown for England. The announcement was made in a televised address last night.

Returning to a similar situation as March last year, everyone must stay at home.

Leaving home will only be permitted for limited reasons such as work, where it is unreasonable for work to be done from home, shopping for essential items, exercise, receiving medical treatment etc. See the full list on the Government website.

Fines of £200 will be given to anyone leaving home without a reasonable excuse.

The following businesses will be legally required to close:

• Non-essential retail although click and collect may be permitted.
• Hospitality venues – takeaway, click and collect and drive through can continue.
• Accommodation except for very limited purposes.
• Leisure and sports facilities.
• Entertainment venues, including animal attractions and indoor attractions.
• Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty etc.
• Community centres and halls

See the full list and limited exceptions.

Schools are required to close, which may present challenges for working parents. The furlough scheme remains open until the end of April. Employers may want to consider putting employees on furlough leave or offering flexible working hours during this difficult time.

A projected end date for this lockdown has not been given, however the prime minister has hope to re-open schools after the February half term if all four priority groups (residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, those over the age of 70, frontline health and social care workers, and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable) have been vaccinated.

What about the rest of the UK?

Scotland – First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a January lockdown yesterday which includes the stay-at-home message with schools closed.

Wales – Wales is currently under alert level 4 meaning that people should stay-at-home, only leaving home for limited reasons. Schools in Wales are currently closed until 18th January.

 

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Monday 4th January 2021

Scotland to stay at home for January

Returning to a situation much like the lockdown of March 2020, Scotland has been instructed to stay at home from midnight tonight.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a month-long lockdown to the people of Scotland which includes the closure of schools for the majority of pupils until February 1st.

Homeworking continues to be the message for those that can work from home and people who are shielding have been advised not to go into work.

It was also announced that workplace canteens will need to reinforce the 2-meter rule for social distancing.

The furlough scheme remains open until the end of April for eligible employees, contact us if you need HR advice regarding the recent news or accessing the furlough scheme.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to provide an update on the situation in England this evening.

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Monday 21st December 2020

New Tier 4 restrictions introduced and Christmas rules changed

Following a continued rise in Covid-19 cases and a new strain of the virus, the Prime Minister announced on Saturday the introduction of Tier 4 for London and large areas of the South East. Boris Johnson also announced a tightening of restrictions over the Christmas period in England, Scotland and Wales.

The new Tier 4 restrictions include:

• Social mixing reduced to meeting a maximum of one person (outside of your household) in an open public space
• Non-essential retail to be closed including hairdressers, indoor gyms and leisure facilities.
• Travel is not permitted unless for the purposes of work or education.

What about Christmas Day?

As a result, the previously relaxed restrictions have now been reduced to Christmas Day, but this will vary on where you are within the United Kingdom. In England within Tiers 1 to 3 families will be able to celebrate Christmas day with a total of three households, whereas Tier 4 locations will only be able to spend Christmas with those within their household and support bubbles.

In Scotland you will be able to see up to two households on Christmas Day (three households in total), but will not be able to stay the night. Scotland will also be subject to tighter restrictions from Boxing Day. Travel to and from other parts of the UK will not be allowed over the festive period.

In Wales you will be able to meet one other household on Christmas Day (two households in total), but will not be able to stay the night. Wales were also placed under lockdown from midnight on Sunday 20th December.

Northern Ireland have also reduced their relaxed Christmas restrictions to a choice of one day between the 23rd December to 27th December, allowing flexibility to those working on Christmas Day.

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Thursday 17th December 2020

Further furlough extension until the end of April

Rishi Sunak has announced that the furlough scheme is being extended to the end of April 2021, and that the government will continue to pay the full 80% of wages until the end of the scheme.
The Chancellor also confirmed that there will be an extension to the government-guaranteed COVID 19 business loan scheme until the end of March.

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Tuesday 24th November 2020

UK Government’s COVID-19 Winter Plan Released

Yesterday the UK Government released plans for managing coronavirus through the winter. The 64-page document contains vital information on how England will emerge from the current national lockdown on December 2nd.

Boris Johnson addressed the nation last night to announce the plan and explain that further details, including a plan for Christmas, can be expected later this week.

The COVID-19 Winter Plan can be read in full on the government website, below is a summary of information you may find helpful.

• England will return to a regional three-tier system from December 2nd. The restrictions within each tier are positioned as being tougher than those used previously.
• Tier allocation is expected to be announced this week.
• On 2nd December, regardless of tier, shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector can reopen.
• Schools, colleges, universities, and early years settings will open. Registered childcare, other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted.
• Everyone who can work from home should continue to do so.
• The clinically extremely vulnerable will be provided with specific advice on how to protect themselves in each tier. This will replace the current “stay at home” advice.
• Legislation will be introduced, by the end of the year, requiring care home providers to restrict all but essential movement of staff between settings in order to reduce transmission.
• The Government will continue to provide better data, clearer guidance, and a toolkit to help businesses protect individuals at higher risk, in part due to their occupation, when they are in the workplace.

Notable restrictions by local tier

Tier 1 – Medium alert

• Bars, pubs and restaurants can operate table service only (takeaway still permitted) and must stop taking orders at 10pm. They must close by 11pm.
• Large events, including business events, can happen at 50% capacity (or, if lower, 4000 outdoors, 1000 indoors). Social contact limits apply

Tier 2 – High alert

• Pubs and bars must close unless operating as restaurants.
• Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals.
• Last orders at 10pm, must close by 11pm.
• Large events, including business events, can happen at 50% capacity (or, if lower, 2000 outdoors, 1000 indoors). Social contact limits apply

Tier 3 – Very high alert

• Hospitality is closed with the exception of sales by takeaway, drive-through or delivery
• Indoor venues must close
• Travel should be avoided outside of the area unless necessary e.g for work, medical, caring.
• Accommodation must close unless for limited purposes, e.g stays for work or people who cannot return home.
• Events should not take place. Drive-in events permitted.

A note on home working

Working from home where possible continues to be the message and the Government encourages employers to enable a greater degree of home working. Guidance will be strengthened to be very clear that anyone who can work from home should do so.

Specific reasons why attendance in the workplace may be needed, include mental health issues or concerns; and / or a need to work on-site physically in industries and sectors where working from home is not possible. For example, much of the construction and manufacturing sectors, and where people’s jobs necessitate working in other people’s homes.

Businesses must have taken clear steps to protect the health and safety of staff and customers through following Government guidance, making their workplaces COVID-secure.

Understanding the new rules

It is crucial that employers take the time to understand the new three-tier system as there will be consequences for non-compliance.

If you are in need of professional HR advice to assist with people management in your business at this time, please contact your local HR Dept.

 

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Monday 16th November 2020

No furlough claims for notice periods from December

There has been an important update to the extended coronavirus job retention scheme that will change the way furlough can be used from 1^st December.

Furlough and redundancies

The latest official government guidance states that for November claim periods, employers can continue to claim for furloughed employees serving a statutory notice period but cannot use grants to substitute redundancy payments.

For claims starting on or after December 1^st, 2020, employers cannot claim for furloughed employees serving a contractual or statutory notice period. This includes employees serving notice of resignation or retirement.

If an employee starts a contractual or statutory notice period on a day covered by a previously submitted claim, employers will need to make an adjustment.

Take care when making redundancies

The redundancy process carries risk and correct procedures must be followed in order to comply with employment law.

For furloughed employees who will be made redundant, statutory redundancy and statutory notice pay should be based on normal pay and not the reduced furlough wage.

Furlough extension summary

Below is a recap on what we know so far about the extended scheme:

• The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of March 2021 and applies to the UK.
• Eligible employees will continue to receive 80% of their pay for hours unworked.
• Employers will contribute National Insurance and pension payments only. However, the policy will be reviewed in January to assess if further employer contributions will be necessary.
• Because of the furlough extension, the Job Retention Bonus no longer applies. The government will re-deploy a retention incentive at a later date.
• The furlough extension continues to replace the Job Support Scheme.

Visit our coronavirus job retention scheme faq for more information and contact us if you have questions about claiming furlough or the redundancy process for your business.

 

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Thursday 5th November 2020

Furlough extended until end of March – details revealed

Rishi Sunak addressed the House of Commons today to reveal details of the extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

On 31st October Boris Johnson announced that the scheme would be extended to support businesses and protect jobs through the November lockdown. Since then, details of the extension have become clearer, including a new expected end date.

Today, the Chancellor’s address revealed the following:

• The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of March 2021 and applies to the UK.
• Eligible employees will continue to receive 80% of their pay for hours unworked.
• Employers will contribute National Insurance and pension payments only. However, the policy will be reviewed in January to assess if further employer contributions will be necessary.
• Because of the furlough extension, the Job Retention Bonus no longer applies. The government will re-deploy a retention incentive at a later date.
• The furlough extension continues to replace the Job Support Scheme.

The Chancellor reiterated the Government’s intention to only keep health restrictions in place for as long as necessary. The lockdown in England is therefore still scheduled to end in December.

Further guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable people in England

Clinically extremely vulnerable people in England, who have received a formal shielding notification, have been advised not to attend work. Employers may use this notification as evidence for claiming SSP or may want to furlough these employees through the extended scheme.

If you have questions about furlough or people management for your business please contact your local HR Dept.

 

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Monday 2nd November 2020

Furlough scheme extended as England prepares for second national lockdown

Boris Johnson has announced a second national lockdown for England from 00:01 GMT on Thursday 5th November until Wednesday 2nd December.

The new lockdown measures must pass a vote in parliament this Wednesday to be implemented. If approved, the following will apply.

• People must stay home and can only leave home for specific purposes such as:
  To shop for essential items such as food and medicine, to attend work if work cannot be done from home, to exercise outdoors or attend an outdoor public place (with the people they live with, alone, with a support bubble, or with 1 person from another household), to attend school, college or university, to access medical treatment, escape risk of harm (e.g domestic abuse), to provide care for a vulnerable person or access a support bubble. Children can move between households where parents live separately.
• Parents will still be able to access some registered childcare and other childcare activities (including wraparound care) where reasonably necessary to enable parents to work, or for the purposes of respite care.
• Pubs, bars and restaurants will be legally required to close but can continue to provide takeaway.
• Leisure and entertainment facilities including gyms, cinemas, galleries and museums will close.
• Non-essential retail will also close but can provide delivery and click-and-collect services.
• Personal care facilities such as hairdressers, tattoo parlours and spas will close.
• Hotels and hostels can remain open for limited reasons such as to provide accommodation for those who have to travel for work.
• Workmen and women can continue to enter premises. E.g plumbers, cleaners
• Clinically extremely vulnerable people have been advised not to attend the workplace.

A full list of business closures will be published by the government and set out in law. Until Thursday, local tiered restrictions remain in place.

Financial support – An extension to the furlough scheme

The Job Support Scheme due to start on 01 Nov, will now be replaced by an extension of the furlough scheme until December. The exact date for the furlough scheme extension has not yet been confirmed.

The furlough scheme will revert to the government contributions we saw in August. Employees will receive 80% of their current salary from the government for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month.

Employers will be responsible for paying National Insurance and pension contributions.

If employers want to bring staff back to work on a part-time basis, flexible furlough will also be an option and a furlough grant will be available for unworked hours.

To be eligible for the furlough scheme employees need to have been on employers PAYE payroll before midnight on 30th October.

If you had planned to place employees on the Job Support Scheme from 01 November, you will now need to communicate the change to them regarding the extension of the furlough scheme.

Support for your business

More information will be made available soon on how to claim support from the extended job retention scheme and we will be updating our website to keep employers informed.

Get in touch with your local HR Dept if you have any questions following the recent lockdown announcement or changes to support schemes.

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Thursday 29th October 2020

Five COVID protection levels introduced for Scotland

First minister Nicola Sturgeon has today announced a new five level protection system will be in place for Scotland from this Monday.

The protection level system will trigger additional restrictions for those areas showing the highest rates of infection. The system can be applied nationally or locally.

The five new levels are as follows:

• Protection level 0
• Protection level 1
• Protection level 2
• Protection level 3
• Protection level 4 – When transmission is extremely high and risks overwhelming the NHS.

Working from home, where possible, remains the default advice at all levels. At the highest level, protection level 4, most businesses will be required to close. Some exceptions are listed as:

• essential workplaces
• outdoor workplaces
• construction
• manufacturing

Government advice states that schools currently remain open at all levels.

At present, levels 1-3 have been allocated throughout Scotland. Check your area level here to find out which restrictions may apply to your business from Monday.

If you have questions about how the new rules might affect your people management, please contact us.

 

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Thursday 22nd October 2020

New support announced for businesses

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak addressed the commons today to reveal financial support for businesses.

The new support includes a reduction in both the minimum hours required for employees to work, and employer contributions for the Job Support Scheme.

Below is what we know so far:

Updates to the Job Support Scheme

The Job Support Scheme has been made more generous to protect jobs in open businesses during lower demand.

• Government now pays up to 61.67% for hours not worked
• Employer contribution cut from 33% to 5%
• Employees now take home at least 73% of pay for working a new minimum 20% of hours

The scheme comes into effect from 1^st November 2020.

A reminder of support for businesses legally required to close

In businesses legally required to close, as previously announced, employers will pay people two thirds of their normal salary where they can’t work for a week or more; and the government will cover 100% of those costs.

HR support for your business

Contact your local HR Dept if you have questions about people management during coronavirus.

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Monday 20th October 2020

What are the recent COVID alert levels put in place for England?

There have been quite a few changes announced recently resulting in new COVID alert levels being introduced throughout England.

The new restrictions will impact the way businesses can operate. See a summary of the recent changes below and refer to local council advice to ensure your business is compliant with the new rules for your area.

Lancashire is tier 3 alert level very high. Greater Manchester will be from this Friday

How might the new restrictions impact businesses?

According to the government website, the following rules apply for tier 3:

• Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am.
• Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through.
• Hospitality venues in ports, on transport services and in motorway service areas do not need to close at 10pm but must not serve alcohol after that time.
• Pubs and bars must close; they can only remain open where they operate as if they were a restaurant – which means serving substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal; they may only serve alcohol as part of such a meal.
• Businesses must ensure that they operate in a COVID-secure manner, including restrictions on table service and group bookings.
• Certain businesses and venues are required to collect customer, visitor and staff data to support NHS Test and Trace.
• The wearing of face coverings for customers and staff in certain indoor settings.
• Businesses must ensure that if their workers are required to self-isolate, they do not work outside their designated place of self-isolation.
• Businesses and venues must ensure people do not meet in their premises with people from outside of their household or support bubble.
• Businesses and venues that fail to comply with these restrictions may face fines of up to £10,000, prosecution, or in some cases closure.

The City of Liverpool is also currently under Tier 3 restrictions. There are slight differences in restrictions within tier 3, for example gyms are closed in Liverpool but currently open in Lancashire.

London, Essex and York are tier 2 alert level high

How might Tier 2 affect businesses?
In addition to the rules set out by alert level medium, the following will apply and may impact businesses operations.

• Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am.
• Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through; orders must be made via phone, online or by post.
• Hospitality venues in ports, on transport services and in motorway service areas do not need to close at 10pm, but must not serve alcohol after that time.
• Businesses must ensure that they operate in a COVID-secure manner, including restrictions on table service and group bookings.
• Certain businesses and venues are required to collect customer, visitor, and staff data to support NHS Test and Trace.
• The wearing of face coverings for customers and staff in certain indoor settings.
• Businesses must ensure that if their workers are required to self-isolate, they do not work outside their designated place of self-isolation.
• Businesses and venues must ensure people do not meet in their premises with people from outside of their household or support bubble.
• Businesses and venues that fail to comply with these restrictions may face fines of up to £10,000, prosecution, or in some cases closure.

See the full list of tier 2 alert level high guidance on the government website.

To find out if existing restrictions are still in place, or to check what the current tier level is where your business is based, check your postcode on the government website.

If your business is in an area that has new restrictions applied, and you have questions about how to manage your people during this time, please contact your local HR Dept.

 

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Monday 19th October 2020

“Fire break” Lockdown confirmed for Wales

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced a “Fire break” lockdown in Wales that will last for 17 days.

When is the Welsh lockdown happening?

It has been confirmed that the lockdown will begin at 18:00 this Friday and is expected to last until 00:01 on Monday 9th November.

What are the new restrictions that will be in place?

• Everyone in Wales will be required to stay at home. This means working from home wherever possible. Unless critical workers or where working from home is not possible.
• All non-essential retail, leisure and tourism businesses, community centres, libraries are to close. Places of worship are to close unless performing funerals or wedding ceremonies.
• Childcare facilities will stay open.
• Primary, special, and secondary schools (yr 7 and 8 only) will reopen after the half term break. Other students are to continue learning from home, unless taking exams, for that week.
• No gatherings with people you do not live with, either indoors or outdoors. Adults living alone and single parents can continue to join with one other household for support

What financial support has been announced to assist businesses?

An extra economic resilience fund of almost £300 million has been announced.

• Every business covered by the small business rate relief will receive an extra £1000
• Small firms in retail, leisure and hospitality which have to close due to the new restrictions will receive a one-off payment of up to £5000.
• Discretionary grant and support for small businesses.
• £20 million ringfence sum for tourism and hospitality.
• Funds will be open in the first week of the fire break.
• All businesses required to close can continue to access existing support from the UK government such as the Job Retention Scheme or the Job Support Scheme.
• New expanded job support scheme will follow the furlough scheme. However, the Welsh Government is hoping the UK government will bring forward the expanded job support scheme.

Support for your business

Today’s news is going to impact businesses throughout Wales. If you have questions about how to manage your people during this difficult time, please contact us for professional advice.

 

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Tuesday 13th October 2020

Some pubs and bars will be legally required to close from Wednesday

Following on from a similar rule announced in Scotland last week, some pubs and bars in England will now be required to close from this Wednesday.

The news comes after reports that exposure to coronavirus is ‘significant’ in the hospitality sector.

The three-tiered system

A new three-tiered alert system has been announced for the whole of England. The system will be used to trigger additional restrictions for those areas showing the highest rates of infection.

• Medium: At this level minimum restrictions apply to most of England and will continue to follow the current national rules: 10pm curfew for pubs and the rule of six.
• High: Triggered when a rise in transmission cannot be contained through national responses. This aims to prevent multiple households or support bubbles mixing indoors. Two households can meet in a private garden but the rule of six and social distancing applies.
• Very high: Triggered where there has been a significant rise in transmission and where the NHS could be under unbearable pressure if no further restrictions are made. As a result, social restrictions will prohibit mixing indoors, outdoors and closing pubs and bars. Some betting shops and gyms will also close. Restaurants and pubs that serve food will remain open if customers are seated and different households cannot mix.
  Retail, schools, and universities will remain open through the three-tiered system.

The three-tiered system will be put in place from Wednesday. The Government will soon release a website detailing the tier restrictions that will apply to your area.

What financial support was announced?

• £3000 cash grant per month to those businesses required to close due to enhanced restrictions, as opposed to £1500 every 3 weeks. This does not have to be repaid.
• Previously announced extension to the Job Support Scheme to cover two-thirds of wages of those in businesses legally required to close by virus restrictions.

What happened in Scotland?

Licensed premises in central Scotland must be closed indoors and outdoors until Friday 25th October 2020. They are permitted to provide takeaways.

Pubs and restaurants can remain open in other parts of Scotland but can only serve alcohol outdoors. Cafes without an alcohol licence can stay open until 18:00.
Other restrictions include:

• snooker and pool halls, indoor bowling alleys, casinos and bingo halls are temporarily closed.
• contact sports for people aged 18 and over, except for professional sports, are suspended for the next two weeks.
• indoor group exercise activities are not permitted; however, gyms can remain open for non-group exercise.
• outdoor live events are temporarily banned.

Has your business been affected by the recent changes?

We know that these new restrictions may be of concern to some business owners in affected areas. Please contact us if you require urgent HR support.

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Friday 9th October 2020

UK employees who cannot work due to COVID-19 to get 67% of pay

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today announced an extension to the Job Support Scheme, targeting those industries that have been most impacted by COVID-19.

Employees of businesses who are instructed to close by the government due to stricter lockdown measures, will receive 67% of their salaries. The government will pay two thirds of the salary up to £2,100 per employee per month.
Employers will only be required to cover National Insurance and pension contributions under the scheme and not the wages of their employees.

To be eligible to claim, employees must be off work for a minimum of seven consecutive days whilst the business is subject to restrictions.

The scheme is due to come into effect from 01 November 2020 and we await further detail of the scheme to be confirmed.

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Thursday 24th September 2020

NEW Job Support Scheme from November

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced today a new Job Support Scheme to keep people employed in the continued fight against coronavirus.

Today’s highly anticipated announcement detailed how the government will support “viable jobs” for the next six months, following the end of the furlough scheme on 31 October.

Acknowledging that we are at a different stage of the pandemic, the Chancellor said that “Furlough was the right policy at the time we introduced it…but as the economy reopens, it is fundamentally wrong to hold people in jobs that only exist inside the furlough”.

The new Job Support Scheme, which will commence from November and continue for six months, is said to be based on the following three principles

1. The scheme will support viable jobs, meaning that employees must be working at least one third of their normal hours and be paid for that work as normal by their employer. The government, together with employers, will then increase those people’s wages to at least 77%
2. Targeted support to help those businesses that need it the most. Crucially, all SMEs will be eligible, but larger businesses will need to be able to prove that they have been adversely affected and show a decrease in turnover due to the pandemic.
3. All employers can apply, regardless of whether they had used the furlough scheme.

Paying employees on the new scheme

Employees must work at least one third of their normal hours (33%) for which they must be paid for as normal by their employer.

That leaves up to 66% of their hours and pay remaining which is relevant for support purposes.

The government and the employer pick up a third of this 66% each.

The government’s contribution is therefore 22% of their normal wages and the employer’s 55% (33% the employee worked plus the 22%). This totals 77%.

These calculations would change if the employer wants the employee to work more than a third of their hours.

The level of grant will be calculated based on employee’s usual salary, capped at £697.92 per month.

Redundancies not permitted

Whilst we await further details on the scheme it has been made clear that employers will not be able to issue redundancy notices to those on the new support scheme.

The Chancellor also announced the following:

• Flexibility to pay back loans with a Pay as You Grow scheme for businesses that took government loans during the crisis, extending loans from six to 10 years and reducing payments.
• A new loan scheme in January.
• Temporary reduction of VAT from 20% to 5% for some sectors will remain in place until 31 March 2021.
• Businesses can benefit from both the Job Support Scheme and the Coronavirus Job Retention Bonus.

It was also confirmed this week that there will be no budget this autumn.

We will keep you updated

The finer details on how the scheme will operate are yet to be released. Follow us for updates as we continue to refresh our Coronavirus Hub with the information that employers need to know.

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Wednesday 23rd September 2020

How is the rest of the UK responding to Coronavirus?

We recently shared some important updates for employers regarding new restrictions imposed by the UK government. But because public health is the responsibility of the devolved administrations, some people could be left wondering which new rules apply to who, where and when.

If your business is based in, or operates in, Scotland or Wales, and you missed the announcements earlier this week, see below a roundup of the important changes we feel that business owners need to be mindful of.

New restrictions in Scotland

• From this Friday a 10 pm curfew will apply for pubs and restaurants for premises to be closed, rather than last orders.
• You must continue to work from home where practicable.
• You should only car share with members of your own, or extended, household, and follow guidance when there is no alternative.
• A strong discouragement for overseas travel during the October break.
• £500 support grant to be made available to those on low incomes who are legally required to self-isolate. More details on this to be expected.

New restrictions in Wales

• From this Thursday a 10 pm curfew will apply for pubs, cafes and restaurants.
• Pubs will only be permitted to provide table service.
• The sale of alcohol from supermarkets and off-licences must stop at 10 pm.
• Only travel if essential.
• £500 support grant to be made available to those on low incomes who are legally required to self-isolate. More details on this to be expected.

The following locations are now in local lockdown: Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport have joined Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Currently, entering or leaving these areas is not permitted without a genuine reason.

Get advice from your local HR Dept

If your business has been affected by the recent restrictions and you need advice on people management, contact us. Our experienced HR professionals have supported a multitude of businesses throughout the pandemic and there is no HR problem to big or too small to call us.

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Tuesday 22nd September 2020

Latest Government advice includes “work from home if you can”

Prime minister Boris Johnson has addressed parliament this afternoon to announce tougher restrictions to combat the transmission of coronavirus.

The address comes one day after warnings from Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty that we must change course due to a recent rise in cases. The coronavirus alert level was yesterday upgraded to 4, meaning that the virus is in general circulation and transmission is high or rising exponentially.

The main message from the prime minister today is that this is not a return to a national lockdown, but that actions are required to curb the number of daily infections.

One such action is that employees who can work from home should do so. However if the business requires employees to attend work, or it is beneficial for their mental health to do so, they should return only if the workplace is COVID secure.

New hours and other rules for the hospitality sector

New restrictive measures have been implemented, including a curfew, for the hospitality sector.

What are the new rules for hospitality?

• From this Thursday, all pubs, bars, restaurants and takeaways in England must close at 10pm. Takeaway deliveries can continue thereafter.
• For pubs, bars and restaurants, only table service will be permitted.
• Staff in hospitality and retail will now need to wear face coverings.
• Police can issue fines and make arrests for anyone breaking social distancing in pubs and restaurants.

COVID secure guidelines are to become legal obligations in retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon has agreed that similar restrictions, including the 10pm curfew, will be applicable to the hospitality industry in Scotland.

How does this impact people management?

Employers may need to reconsider their staffing levels in line with the new hours of operation. This could mean new rotas or a reduction in hours.

If reducing hours, employee contracts must be considered. It is advised to seek professional HR advice to comply with employment law.

Business owners may also want to consider refresher training for their team on how to manage social distancing in the workplace, and how to escalate breaches.

We are here to help

If you have questions about people management in your business regarding the new rules, or other measures in place because of coronavirus, contact your local HR Dept for advice.

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Monday 21st September 2020

Self-isolation to become a legal requirement with fines reaching up to £10,000

In an attempt to reduce the risk of a second wave of coronavirus, the UK government has introduced a new law for self-isolation.

From Monday 28th September, a fine could be incurred by anyone in England who does not stay at home to self-isolate following a positive test result for COVID-19, or who fails to stay at home and isolate upon instruction from NHS Test and Trace.

Exemptions will apply to those who are ill or may be at risk from harm during isolation.

Fines will range from £1,000 to £10,000, and it has been reported that employers who prevent employees from adhering to compulsory self-isolation, by forcing them to come to work, also run the risk of incurring fines.

The news came one day before Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance gave a Downing Street briefing warning that cases of coronavirus are rising.

New Test and Trace Support Payment

Monday 28th September will also see the introduction of a new one-off £500 support payment for those at risk of losing money due to self-isolation. The scheme applies in England and requires the following eligibility criteria to be met:

• you have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
• you are employed or self-employed
• you cannot work from home and will lose income as a result
• you are claiming at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit

The payment scheme will be managed through local authorities with an expected setup date of 12th October. Backdated payments will cover eligible cases of self-isolation from 28th September.

Further updates expected from No.10 this week

A further update on the latest COVID-19 developments is expected to be made by the prime minister this week.

Check back to find out the most relevant news for employers and get in touch with your local HR Dept if you need professional HR advice.

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Thursday 10th September 2020

The new rule of 6 – Workplaces not affected

In response to a rise in positive Coronavirus cases the UK Government has introduced a new law limiting the number of people allowed to meet up.

The law, effective from Monday, means that no more than six people can meet up socially, either indoors or outdoors in England.

This will not apply to workplaces or schools, weddings, funerals or organised team sports that are COVID secure.

Collecting customer data now a legal requirement

In yesterday’s Downing Street briefing the prime minister also announced that hospitality businesses, such as pubs, will be legally required to record and retain details of visitors for 21 days. Details must be provided to test and trace without delay.

Fines will be issued to those who don’t comply.

Recent changes to UK corridors

Just this week seven Greek islands were added to England’s quarantine list.

Employers should advise employees who are travelling abroad to refer to official Government advice regarding UK travel corridors. Countries that require self-isolation upon return to the UK can change at a moment’s notice, so it is vital that any employees travelling abroad remain up to date.

Employers in Scotland and Wales should refer to the devolved administrations for the latest local rules.

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Wednesday 2nd September 2020

Kickstart Scheme Announcement

The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion fund aimed to assist employers hiring those aged 16-24 who are on Universal credit. The funding will be able to cover 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25-hour weeks, plus National Insurance contributions and auto enrolment. You can also receive up to £1,500 per job placement to contribute towards training, support and set up costs of the new employee.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible to receive the funding for the placements you are looking to fill must be:
• A minimum of 25 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months
• Do not require applicants to undertake extensive training prior to taking the placement
• Paid National Minimum Wage or above for their age group
• Applications must be for a minimum of 30 job placements, either within one company, or a group of companies applying through a representative

You will not be eligible if these roles are replacing existing employees, planned vacancies or a result of existing employees or contractors losing or reducing their employment.

How to apply

For employers creating 30 job placements for your own business you can apply for the Kickstart Scheme funding directly though the government website.

Employers creating less than 30 job placements you should partner with other employers to be able to create a minimum of 30 job placements and apply through a designated representative.
Partnering organisations can include:
• similar employers
• local authorities
• trade bodies
• registered charities
If you are applying as a representative, you can also claim £300 towards supporting the administrative costs of co-ordinating these employers.

To find out more information click here.

If you are able to receive this funding and would like help with recruitment for these positions please contact your local HR Dept.

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Friday 14th August 2020

France among new countries added to UK quarantine list, with holidaymakers facing a 14 day self-isolation

From Saturday 15 August at 04:00 BST a 14 day self-isolation requirement will be imposed for those returning from France, Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks & Caicos and Aruba.
The news comes as the infection rate for Covid-19 has risen in the affected countries.

Many holidaymakers are frantically trying to return home before the measures are imposed on Saturday.

If you have employees currently in the affected countries or are planning to travel to these areas, impacting their ability to work on their return, contact The HR Dept and we can talk you through the options and any questions you may have in relation to holiday entitlements or unpaid leave during this time.

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Friday 31st July 2020

Face coverings to be required in more places from 8th August

In today’s Downing Street briefing, prime minister Boris Johnson revealed a highly anticipated update on COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines.

Reiterating that the reopening of society and the economy is conditional, the prime minister said that the government will react to the first signs of trouble to prevent further infections.

For this reason, the further easing of lockdown, which would have seen more businesses permitted to reopen, has been postponed for at least a fortnight. Other recent restrictions imposed in response to a rise in infections include a local lockdown in the North West of England.

The prime minister also announced that there will be increased police presence to enforce the wearing of face coverings. Currently, face coverings are a legal requirement on public transport and in shops. From 8^th August this will include museums, galleries, cinemas, and places of worship.

The plan for employers to have more discretion over bringing employees back to work, if it is safe to do so, from August 1^st remains in place.

If you have questions about how this recent news might impact your business, please contact your local HR Dept.

 

New law: Furloughed employees to receive full redundancy pay

In a further effort to protect employees, the Government have introduced a new law to ensure furloughed employees will be entitled to redundancy pay based on their normal wage, rather than their furlough rate, from today.

Where an employer makes someone, redundant provided they have two years’ continuous service, they are entitled to a statutory redundancy payment based on length of service, their age, and calculated on their normal pay.  Where an employee works variable hours, the calculation for a week’s pay needs to go back over an average of 12 weeks. The new law ensures that this payment will reflect their normal pay and not the furloughed 80%.

Previously, the government has encouraged employers to stand by employees during this time and pay redundancy based on an employee’s usual wage rather than their furlough rate. From today, employers will have to top up the amount to 100% as this becomes a legal requirement.

The change will also apply to Statutory Notice Pay, meaning that furloughed employees will be entitled to receive this at the rate of their normal wage.

The new law has been put in place to help workers and their families through this challenging economic period.

Financial support for small businesses

Employers faced with making redundancies, but who are struggling to pay statutory redundancy payments, can apply for financial assistance from the government’s Redundancy Payments Service.

The redundancy process must be fair, legal, and handled with care. Professional assistance is advised. Please ask your local HR Dept office if you are unsure.

Further financial support was announced this week, as the UK government is set to inject £20 million worth of funding into a support scheme for small businesses in England. Grants of £1,000 – £5000 aim to help small businesses get back on their feet with access towards new technology and specialist professional advice, such as HR, legal and financial.

 

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Thursday 30th July 2020

Self-isolation for coronavirus has increased from seven to 10 days

Today, the UK’s chief medical officers have announced an important change to self-isolation (stay at home) requirements.

Those who show symptoms of, or test positive for, coronavirus must now self-isolate for 10 days. This is an increase in three days from the previous medical guidance on self-isolation.

Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, a new continuous cough or anosmia (loss of smell and can affect taste).

The updated precautions are said to be in line with World Health Organisation guidance and are deemed necessary as we approach the autumn and winter months, when increased community transmission could occur.

Employers should prepare for this increased period of self-isolation, should an employee become symptomatic or test positive for COVID-19.

 

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Friday 17th July 2020

Work from home advice will be updated on August 1st

Prime minister Boris Johnson has today announced plans for a further ease on lockdown in England.

The announcement comes with the news that the number of daily deaths caused by coronavirus continues to fall whilst testing capacity has increased.

The main takeaways for employers from today’s daily briefing are:

• From today, anybody can use public transport, but people are still encouraged to use other means of transport where possible. Face coverings continue to be mandatory on public transport.
• From tomorrow, councils will be given the power to enforce shutdowns of outdoor spaces and premises at short notice to tackle local spikes.
• Next week there will be draft regulations published detailing how central government can intervene at a local level.
• Employers are advised to start discussions with employees about returning to the workplace, including offices, if it is safe and productive to do so.
• From 1^st August the official advice on working from home will change to allow employers more discretion about bringing employees back to work.
• Previously announced – indoor gyms, pools and other sports facilities will re-open from 25^th July.
• Most remaining leisure settings, such as bowling, skating rinks and casinos, as well as close contact services like beauticians, can reopen from 1^st August.
• Nightclubs and soft play areas remain closed until further notice.
• Indoor performances and larger gatherings in venues, for example sports stadia, will be piloted with the hope to open in the Autumn.
• Conferences and other business events are expected to resume in October providing they can be done in a COVID Secure way.
• The plans set out today are conditional and must meet COVID Secure guidelines.

Should you bring employees back to work in August?

We are pleased to hear that employers in England will be given more choice regarding where employees can work from as early as August, however making such a change takes careful planning and consideration. There are also health and safety risks to mitigate first.

Whilst employees may be able to return to the workplace from August, it is worth noting that schools are not fully open to all pupils until September. This could make it difficult for working parents to return to work unless they have available childcare.

If teams are working well from home, we would encourage you to factor this into your plans about returning to the workplace. A strategy for longer term remote working or a hybrid way of working could be beneficial for your business.

If you would like to discuss plans to bring employees back to work or the future of home working for your business, get in touch. It should be noted that Scotland and Wales are following their own route maps for the ease of lockdown, find your local HR Dept to get the most relevant advice for your business.

 

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Wednesday 8th July 2020

Supporting, protecting, and creating jobs: The Government’s second stage of economic recovery

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today revealed the UK Government’s plan for jobs within the second stage of a three-phased approach to economic recovery from coronavirus.

We expect more information to be revealed soon, but below is what we know so far:

• A new Job Retention Bonus will be introduced to encourage businesses to retain furloughed workers. The £1000 bonus will be paid to employers who keep furloughed workers employed at least until 31^st January 2021. Terms of the bonus include the employee being brought back to undertake “decent work” and be paid a minimum of £520 on average each month from November – January.
• A new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme will be launched to create fully subsidised jobs for young people. Eligible candidates will be aged 16-24, claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. There will be funding available to cover the National Minimum Wage of 25 hours a week on six-month job placements.
• Employment support schemes, training and apprenticeships will receive £1.6 billion in funding to assist young job seekers. This will involve:- £2000 payment to businesses for each new apprentice hired under the age of 25. This is additional to an existing £1000 payment on apprentices.
  – £111 million investment to triple traineeships in 2020-2021
  – £17 million to triple sector-based work academy placements in 2020-2021
  – Almost £900 million to double work coaches to 27,000
  – An extra £32 million investment in the National Careers Service
• £8.8 billion of new infrastructure, decarbonisation and maintenance projects expected to create tens of thousands of jobs.
• A new Eat Out to Help Out scheme in August providing 50% discount for sit-down meals in cafes, restaurants and pubs to help rebuild the tourism and hospitality sector.
• The rate of VAT applied on most tourism and hospitality-related activities will also be cut from 20% to 5%.
• Funding announced to help the UK get greener and meet Net Zero by 2050.

We anticipate that much of today’s announcements will have a positive impact on the employment sector and that there will be some interesting times ahead for SMEs and people management. Stay tuned as we will continue to provide updates for employers as and when further information becomes available.

 

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Wednesday 24th June 2020

More Scottish businesses can re-open from 29th June

Following yesterday’s announcement of the ease of lockdown rules in England, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has today announced the latest plans for Scotland. The following businesses now have dates for re-opening providing they can meet the required social distancing and safety measures.

• Most non-essential retail and visitor attractions can re-open from 29th June.
• Beer gardens can open from 6th July
• Shopping centres and dentists can re-open from 13th July.
• Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, barbers, libraries, cinemas, museums, childcare and holiday accommodation can open from 15th July

Schools are expected to be welcoming all pupils back full time from 11th August.

Whilst the 2 metre social distancing rule remains in place for Scotland for the time being, the five mile travel restriction is to be lifted from 3rd July.

The official guidance states that these changes do not apply to those who are shielding and the current advice on shielding is expected to remain in place until 31st July.
If you are getting ready to re-open your business and have questions about people management, contact your local HR Dept today

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Tuesday 23rd June 2020

Lockdown eases in England

Prime minister Boris Johnson addressed the house of commons today to announce a further ease of lockdown restrictions in England which will come into effect from 4th July.

1 metre + for social distance

Following reports that the 2-metre social distance rule was expected to be relaxed, the prime minister confirmed that from 4th July a 1 meter plus social distance will be required if 2 metres is not possible.

More businesses to open

As set out in the UK Government’s conditional roadmap to recovery, it was today confirmed that more businesses will be permitted to open from 4th July providing they can meet COVID-Secure guidelines.

Restaurants and pubs can reopen with indoor hospitality being limited to table service. Businesses will be asked to collect the contact details of customers. Hairdressers will also be reopening with precautionary measures in place.

Hotels and B&Bs can reopen for overnight accommodation providing that no more than two households stay together, and shared facilities must be kept clean. Campsites and most leisure and tourist attractions can reopen if able to do so safely.

Outdoor gyms, playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks, arcades, libraries, social clubs and community centers will be permitted to open if COVID-Secure.
Certain “close proximity” venues such as swimming pools, spas, indoor gyms and nightclubs, bowling alleys and water parks remain closed.

Childcare will restart this summer and primary and secondary education is expected to resume fully in September.

New guidance for businesses

New guidance is to be published for businesses on how to reduce the risk of coronavirus for their customers and workers. The guidance will include measures such as, avoiding face to face seating, reducing the number of people in enclosed spaces, improving ventilation, installing protective screens, providing hand sanitiser and changing shift patterns.

The prime minister reiterated the importance of regular handwashing, avoiding public transport where possible, wearing a face covering on public transport and getting tested if symptoms occur.

Staffing your business

If you are getting ready to reopen on 4th July and have questions about staffing your business, please contact your local HR Dept today to make sure you stay on the right side of employment law.

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Wednesday 10th June 2020

Last chance for new entrants to the furlough scheme

Today, 10^th June, is the last day that employers can furlough employees who have not already been furloughed through the coronavirus job retention scheme.

From 1^st July, employers may only claim for employees that they have already claimed for under the scheme, and as that requires a three-week furlough period, today is the last day that this can happen.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak recently announced important changes to the job retention scheme including the following:

• From July employers will have more flexibility through part-time furlough.
• From August employers will be asked to contribute employee national insurance and pension payments. The scheme will continue to pay 80% for furloughed employees.
• From September employers will be asked to start paying 10% towards furloughed employees wages, whilst the scheme contributes 70%
• In October employers will contribute 20% and the scheme will subsidise 60%

Last chance for part-time furlough

Many businesses could benefit from having employees work part-time and be furloughed part-time in the coming months. To do this, employers must register employees on the job retention scheme today if they have not done so already.

There is an exception

Parents that return from parental leave can be furloughed after today’s deadline if the employer has already accessed the scheme for other employees. We are expecting further details on this to be released this Friday.

We can help you with last chance furlough

The coronavirus job retention scheme has many rules and can be complex. If you want to register employees for the scheme today, but don’t have the time to work out the finer details, please call your local HR Dept as soon as possible. We are here to help.

 

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Tuesday 9th June 2020

More retail permitted to open from Monday

In today’s Downing Street daily briefing, Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced that retail outlets can open from this Monday 15^th June, providing they can meet COVID Secure guidelines.

Regular checks are to be carried out by the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that COVID Secure guidelines are being met.

It is expected that restaurants, pubs, bars and hairdressers will be allowed to re-open from 4^th July at the earliest, although this is yet to be confirmed.

Employers who are looking to bring employees back to work in order to re-open should contact their local HR Dept for advice.

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Wednesday 3rd June 2020

Schools will reopen in Wales on June 29th

Education Minister Kirsty Williams has today announced the plan for reopening schools in Wales.

After more than three months of closure, schools will reopen on Monday 29^th June to all pupils. This will be a phased return with smaller class sizes and staggered start times, resulting in a third of children being present at any one time. Pupils will not be back to school full-time.

The summer term will be extended by one week ending on 27^th July and the Autumn half term extended to two weeks.

Schools will only open if deemed safe to do so. It is also expected that some remote learning will continue, even after the summer holidays.

Whilst the reopening of schools will mean that many working parents can return to work when required to do so, employers may like to consider flexible working to support employees through this next phase.

Contact your local HR Dept if you would like to discuss flexible working or if you are planning to bring employees back to work.

 

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Friday 29th May 2020

Job retention scheme: Employers to start paying and more flexibility with part-time furlough

The UK Government’s job retention scheme has helped many people to remain in employment throughout the coronavirus crisis by placing them on furlough and subsidising 80% of their wage.

It was recently revealed that the scheme would stay open until October, raising questions as to how it would continue to financially support the millions of people across the UK who are currently on furlough.

Today, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced new terms of the scheme which we have summarised for employers below. Please read the following and contact us if you have questions.

• From August employers will be asked to contribute employee national insurance and pension payments. The scheme will continue to pay 80% for furloughed employees.
• From September employers will be asked to start paying 10% towards furloughed employees wages, whilst the scheme contributes 70%
• In October employers will contribute 20% and the scheme will subsidise 60%

More flexibility for furlough

It was also revealed that from 1^st July employers will have the maximum flexibility possible when it comes to furlough. This added flexibility, which The HR Dept has been actively campaigning for, means that employers could bring back some furloughed employees to work part time.

Employers would pay furloughed employees for the time worked and claim furlough payments for the days they did not work.

This is great news for businesses that need critical work to be completed without having to unfurlough employees.

Understanding the job retention scheme

There are important rules and eligibility requirements to consider when using the scheme. Contact us for advice and to find out what the latest announcement means for your business.

 

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Thursday 28th May 2020

Test and Trace scheme launches in England and Scotland

The Government’s new Test and Trace scheme has launched today in England and Scotland. The virus tracking approach aims to focus on a move towards more locally targeted lockdown measures to help ease blanket restrictions.

Contact tracers will contact those who test positive for coronavirus and find out who else they have been in contact with. Those deemed at risk of contracting the virus will be instructed to isolate for 14 days, even if they are not unwell.

Anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus – a persistent cough, fever or a sudden loss of taste or sense of smell – should self-isolate for seven days and can request a test online. Those living in the same household will need to self-isolate for 14 days, even if they are not showing symptoms.

It was announced yesterday that testing is now available for everyone showing symptoms including children under five.

What if an employee is told to self-isolate as instructed by the Test and Trace scheme?

If the employee cannot work from home, they are entitled to SSP for 14 days. Ask us about specific situations in your business or see our coronavirus FAQ for employers.

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Tuesday 26th May 2020

‘Non-essential’ retail businesses to re-open as UK sets to enter Phase 2

In yesterday’s bank holiday briefing from Downing Street, prime minister Boris Johnson announced further lockdown restrictions to be lifted from the 1^st June, subject to statistical evidence continuing to support the UK safely moving into phase 2 of the conditional recovery roadmap.

Johnson advised that from 1^st June open air markets and car showrooms will be permitted to re-open, providing social distancing and COVID secure guidelines can be maintained.

Further to this, it was revealed that from 15^th June, other ‘non-essential’ retail businesses in England, from department stores to small independent shops, will be able to re-open providing that COVID secure guidelines can be met.

New government guidance has been updated to provide clarity to businesses impacted by the announcement and details how to safely return to work. Businesses in Scotland or Wales should consider the guidance alongside local public health and safety requirements and legislation.

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Thursday 21st May 2020

Scotland lockdown restrictions to ease from 28th May

Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland will begin to ease lockdown restrictions, in phase 1 of their plan from 28th May. This will include being able to meet others outdoors from one other household, as long as social distancing is maintained.

Sturgeon also suggested that schools in Scotland would return on August 11th, with a phased return to school plan in place.

Scots are urged to stay at home until the first phase begins, which although scheduled for 28th is under constant review and will only be lifted if evidence supports this decision.

Further information on Scotland’s Covid-19 route map can be found here at Gov.scot.

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Tuesday 12th May 2020

Understanding the COVID-19 Secure Guidelines

Yesterday the UK government released new guidance for employers to help them reopen their businesses safely. The guidelines have been summarised into five key points which include social distancing and reinforced cleaning.

However, there is much more detail to be unraveled in the full guidance which includes eight extensive guides on how to make a workplace COVID-19 secure.

To ensure the safety of a business and be compliant with health and safety law, it is crucial that employers seek professional advice when applying the guidance to a unique workplace situation.

Remove risk and find peace of mind through the Health and Safety Dept. Our qualified professionals will conduct a COVID-19 risk assessment and help you to understand what it is that you must do to make your business safe and legal before it reopens.

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Tuesday 12th May 2020

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today revealed that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is to be extended until October. Additionally, he confirmed that there will be no reduction in the level of support for those on the scheme.

The Chancellor tweeted the following details prior to his announcement in the Commons this afternoon:

• The job retention scheme will be extended for four months until the end of October.
• Until the end of July, there will be no changes to the scheme whatsoever.
• From August to October the scheme will continue, for all sectors and regions of the UK, but with greater flexibility to support the transition back to work.
• Employers currently using the scheme will be able to bring furloughed employees back part-time (expected to be from August).
• We will ask employers to start sharing, with the government, the costs of paying people’s salaries.
• Further detail will follow by the end of May.
• Workers will, through the combined efforts of government and employers, continue to receive the same level of support as they do now, at 80% of their salary, up to £2,500.

We are pleased to hear of the scheme’s extension and forthcoming flexibility, which we have been actively campaigning for, which will continue to provide much needed support to millions of employees and businesses throughout the UK.

Employers seeking advice and support managing their employees or accessing the job retention scheme should contact their local HR Dept.

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Monday 11th May 2020

The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy

After last night’s announcement left many questions unanswered, the UK government has now released a 60-page document outlining their recovery strategy to rebuild the UK. You can read the full document here.

The document highlights the UK government aim to return life to as close to normal as possible, for as many people as possible, as fast and fairly as possible. In a way that avoids a new epidemic, minimises lives lost and maximises health, economic and social outcomes.

Detailed guidance and projected dates for phases two (smarter controls) and three (reliable treatment) of the UK government’s three phased recovery strategy can be found within this latest release.

COVID-19 Secure guidelines which will detail how physical spaces can be adapted will be released this week. The clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to continue shielding for some time yet, with more support and assistance expected.

For businesses based in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales please refer to advice as per the devolved government and contact your local HR Dept.

Who can go to work?

Where work is concerned, workers should continue to work from home for the foreseeable future. From Wednesday 13^th May, those who cannot work from home are permitted to travel to work if their workplace is open in England, avoiding public transport where possible. We await further instruction for businesses in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Sectors of the economy that are permitted to be open from Wednesday are listed as:

• Food production
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Logistics
• Distribution
• Scientific research in laboratories.

Exceptions to this are those workplaces such as hospitality and nonessential retail which must remain closed during this first recovery stage.

The opening of non-essential retail is subject to the new COVID-19 Secure guidelines and expected to happen in phases from 1^st June, if safe to do so. Further guidance will be released.

Hairdressers, beauty salons, hospitality including pubs and accommodation, cinemas and leisure facilities are expected to remain closed at least until 4^th July, subject to government findings through phase 2 and successfully meeting the COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

It is advised not to travel to different parts of the UK and respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Should we be wearing face masks?

The UK government advice is that people should be wearing a “face-covering” in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible, when in contact with those who you would not usually meet. E.g on public transport or in shops.

Homemade face-coverings are said to be effective and are not the same as facemasks, which should be reserved for those who need them the most. Face-coverings are not advised for children under 2 or those who may find them difficult to manage correctly.

What’s next?

We strongly advise that you familiarise yourself with the full recovery strategy document. Further guidance is to be released regarding how to make sure your business is COVID-19 Secure before bringing employees back to work.

If you have questions about how to manage your staff at this time or regarding the reopening of your business, please call us.

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Monday 11th May 2020

Stay alert: England’s “conditional” plan out of lockdown

Last night the Prime Minister addressed the nation to share details of a “conditional” plan to restart the economy and reopen society.

Boris Johnson referred to the plan as “the first sketch of a road map” and stressed that plans were conditional and guided by science. The ease of lockdown restrictions is dependent on a new five level Covid Alert System currently informing government decisions.

We are expecting further details and more clarity to become available soon, but this is what we know so far:

• Stay home whenever possible and work from home if you can.
• Those who cannot work from home should be encouraged to return to work if social distancing can be implemented. For example, construction and manufacturing.
• Avoid public transport if possible.
• Enjoy parks, public spaces, and unlimited outdoor exercise with members of your own household.
• Always keep 2m social distance in public

The following was also announced on conditional terms and is not guaranteed:

• Some primary school children to return to school in England by 1st June.
• Reopening of shops with social distancing in place from 1st June.
• Some hospitality businesses and other public places reopening with social distancing from 1st July.

Further to the above, it was also revealed that there would soon be quarantine sanctions imposed upon international arrivals by air, however this will not apply to arrivals from France at this stage.

The governments key message now reads: Stay alert > control the virus > save lives.

What about Scotland and Wales?

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the “stay at home” warning still applies in Scotland. Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales echoed this sentiment.

There are currently no plans to reopen schools in Scotland or Wales by June 1st.

What about the Job retention scheme?

The Prime Minister made no reference to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in his televised speech; however, it has been reported that an update on the scheme is going to be made by Chancellor Rishi Sunak this week. We will keep you updated.

Should my employees return to work?

This is going to depend on the type of business you have and if you can implement social distancing. There are crucial health and safety regulations that must be met. If you have questions about whether you can bring employees back to work and how you can safely do so, please call us.

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Wednesday 29th April 2020

COVID-19 Testing capacity expanded

Further to the announcement of a new test, track and trace campaign last Thursday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that the government has expanded capacity for coronavirus testing. Last night’s briefing revealed the following:

• All workers, who must go outside their home to work and have symptoms of COVID-19 will now have access to a test.
• Residents and care home staff will be able to be tested, whether they have symptoms of coronavirus or not.
• All over 65’s with symptoms of coronavirus will have access to a test.

We encourage employers to remain updated on the accessibility of COVID-19 testing and communicate this to eligible employees. Tests can be booked through the government website.

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Wednesday 29th April 2020

Full parental leave entitlement for furloughed workers

At the end of last week the government confirmed that furloughed workers who had planned to take paid parental or adoption leave on or after 25th April will receive payments based on their full pay rather than the furlough rate.

We are pleased to hear this news as it means that hardworking employees can take the family time they need following the adoption, birth or death of a child, without seeing a reduction in their pay. The government has recognized that this is already a very challenging time for the British public and that an unprecedented level of support is crucial for economic recovery.

Calculations for parental leave can be complicated. It is vital that employers know and understand the rules for processing these payments for all employees, including those on furlough leave.

Read more about the rules of furlough under the coronavirus job retention scheme and contact us if you have questions concerning people management in your business during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thursday 23rd April 2020

Test, track and trace: Free testing for essential workers

Ever since cases of coronavirus have been reported in the UK, there has been much conversation surrounding the availability of effective testing. Particular concern has been raised over the potential risks for key workers who continue to travel to work during this current period of social distancing.

In today’s government briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that testing capacity has increased and revealed the details of a new test, track and trace campaign.

From tomorrow, employers of essential workers will be able to access tests for their employees via gov.uk. Testing is free and there will be a text based communication process to confirm appointments and send results. We expect more details to be released tomorrow.

The government has said that they continue to develop their testing capacity and are undertaking research through an extensive antibody study. Twenty thousand households can expect to receive a letter asking them to participate in the study to inform and help the UK’s response to the coronavirus crisis.

If you have questions about the health and safety of your employees at this time, please contact your local HR Dept for advice.

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Thursday 23rd April 2020

Help us to help you – We need your opinion

The HR Dept are running a snap shot survey to assess if the current Job Retention Scheme is reflective of the way SME businesses operate. If you have furloughed your employees, or have been unable to furlough your employees due to the eligibility criteria, please take a few minutes to complete our survey: Start survey

The results of this survey will be used to instruct and advise governing bodies which influence governmental change.

 

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Monday 20th April 2020

How to claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The portal for employers to claim for furloughed employees through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now open.

Before making a claim under the scheme you will need to check that both you and your furloughed employees are eligible and work out how much you can claim.

To be a qualifying employer, you must have a PAYE scheme and have the furloughed employees registered on HMRC’s RTI system on or prior to 19th March 2020. You must also have an agreement in place with employees for them to be furloughed. Find out more about the rules of the scheme and eligibility by visiting our dedicated Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme FAQ, and ask us if you have further questions regarding your business.

Unsure of how much you can claim?

Whilst we advise that you speak with your accountant for clarity on this, the government have provided an online calculator to help employers work out how much they can claim under the scheme.

Making a claim

The claim process requires essential information to be provided. To save time, we suggest that you read the step by step guidance before starting.

Once you have read the guidance, make your claim via the portal here.

What happens next?

Your claim will need to be verified by HMRC and it can take up to six working days to receive funds. HMRC has asked that you do not contact them before this length of time to enquire about your claim as this can delay the process further. Keep hold of your claim reference number.

You can tell your furloughed employees that you have made a claim under the scheme and that they do not need to take any action. It is wise to keep communication flowing as they may have questions. If you need further advice on managing employees at this time, contact us.

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Monday 20th April 2020

Clarification on managing annual leave during furlough

The process of managing holiday for furloughed employees has raised many questions, until now.

We are pleased to share that government guidance was released over the weekend and that we can now provide clarification for employers when managing annual leave during furlough.

Can furloughed employees use their holiday?

The guidance clearly states that you can allow employees to take holiday during a period of furlough.

You can also insist that employees use their holidays during a period of furlough leave, providing you have given the correct amount of notice as per the Working Time Regulations. Doing so provides employers with much more flexibility but comes with a warning.

If you insist that employees use some of their holiday entitlement during this period of furlough, they may feel resentful because they are restricted due to the rules on social distancing. They would be very limited on what they can do during this time.

You may find however, that some furloughed employees welcome the additional pay, as you must pay holiday at 100%.

Ultimately you will need to decide what is right for your business when it comes to managing holiday for furloughed employees. We can help you come to a decision and ensure that your processes are compliant and not in breach of your contractual policy rules.

If you would like specific advice on this or any other area of the job retention scheme, contact us. 

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Thursday 16th April 2020

Current lockdown measures remain in place for at least another three weeks

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab addressed the nation this evening to announce that the current lockdown measures will remain in place for another three weeks.

Explaining the detail behind the decision, Raab said that “early relaxation would do more damage to the economy over a longer period.”

Whilst the government continues to monitor these restrictions with a three-week review period, today’s briefing from Downing Street also revealed that there are five essential points that influence their decision when it comes to deciding when the rules on social distancing can be relaxed.

1. The ability to protect the NHS’ ability to cope
2. See a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates from coronavirus
3. Reliable data from SAGE to show the rate of infection is decreasing
4. Confident range of operational measures in hand to cope with future demand, such as testing and PPE
5. Must be confident that any adjustments to current measures will not risk a second peak of infections.

We know that this latest announcement is going to be tough for many business owners and expect that many of you may have questions on how to manage your people at this difficult time. Please call your local HR Dept if you need advice.

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Wednesday 15th April 2020

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: fourth iteration

The government has today announced a significant change in eligibility for the coronavirus job retention scheme.

Previously, eligible employees had to have been on PAYE by 28th February 2020 in order to qualify for the scheme. That date has now changed to 19th March 2020, meaning that those on PAYE on or before 19th March this year can be considered, subject to application terms.

The previous eligibility date for the job retention scheme had received some criticism for excluding those who had recently changed jobs and therefore missed the cut off date. This amendment looks to provide much needed support to a wider range of people and still prevents fraudulent claims by being dated prior to when the scheme was first announced.

How to claim and who you can claim for

To claim, you must have created and started a PAYE payroll scheme on or before 19th March 2020, enrolled for PAYE online and have a UK bank account.

Employees must have been on your PAYE scheme by 19th March 2020 and on an RTI submission notifying HMRC on or before this date, in order to qualify.

Employees who were on your PAYE scheme on or before February 28th 2020 (and on an RTI submission by this date) but made redundant or stopped working for you prior to 19th March 2020, can qualify if you re-employ them and place them on furlough leave. This still stands if you do not re-employ them until after 19th March 2020.

The portal for processing claims is expected to be open this month.

Further information to consider

There are other important rules to consider when using the scheme, visit our coronavirus job retention scheme FAQ page for further information and contact your local HR Dept for advice on how this latest change affects your business. 

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Monday 6th April 2020

Important updates to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Over the weekend, the UK Government updated and expanded the rules of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Here are the key points, which in some cases amend pre-existing advice that we have provided. These recent updates apply to all employers partaking in the scheme.

Please read carefully and consider how the below apply to you and contact us if you have any questions.

Eligibility for the job retention scheme

The guidance has clarified many points but still leaves some questions. Things we do know are that the scheme is open to all employees who were on your PAYE scheme at Feb 28th.

This means that nannies, cleaners, agency workers, apprentices and salaried partners of LLPs are also eligible.

Those on fixed term contracts may have their contract extended to benefit from the scheme. When a fixed term employee’s contract ends, because it is not extended or renewed, you will no longer be able claim the grant for them.

We had many questions as to whether directors could be furloughed. The guidance confirms that they can, but there must be a written board resolution and the director may only carry out their statutory duties.

Necessary paperwork required to comply with the scheme

A written agreement with a furloughed employee, stating the date the furlough started, must be in place and kept for five years. It can be backdated to the date that employees agreed to stop work from the 1st March.

Furloughed employees may be rotated and furloughed multiple times, if each period of furlough is for a minimum of three weeks.

Employees with caring responsibilities e.g. Childcare due to school closures

Clarification has been made that those with caring responsibilities can be furloughed, meaning that employees who cannot work because of childcare responsibilities during coronavirus are covered.

Clarification on wages

The updated guidance covers in more detail what can be included in pay and now states that contractual compulsory commission and overtime may be included up to the £2,500 cap. Discretionary bonuses, tips and money benefits won’t be allowed.

The grant covers 80% of pay up to the cap and only if an employee is undertaking training does the employer have to top the amount up to ensure that National Minimum Wage/ National Living Wage is met.

The salary to be calculated is the salary as at 28th February, or for those on casual or zero hour contracts the average over the previous 12 months or their earnings on the same month a year ago. Where contractual pay rises or increases in the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage have arisen these are not covered by the grant. Only where training is being undertaken does the employer have to top up to NMW.

This will apply to any contractual salary increases too that were previously promised or negotiated.

The apprenticeship levy and student loans should be paid as usual and are not covered by the grant. Apprentices can be furloughed and still do training; you will need to top up their wage to the relevant statutory minimum wage. They must not do work for you so tread carefully.

Salary sacrifices

If an employee has entered into a salary sacrifice scheme, HMRC has confirmed they can reverse this and go back to their full basic salary losing the salary sacrifice benefit. This must be agreed with the employee.

Working for another employer whilst on furlough

One unexpected announcement was that furloughed employees may take up employment with a new employer. This is subject to their contract with the employer allowing this.

Please visit our coronavirus job retention scheme FAQs for more guidance on this point as there are some risks to consider.

Those that were made redundant or who had resigned may be rehired and then furloughed, but it is not compulsory, and we would advise you take expert HR advice first. 

Please keep your eye on our coronavirus HR hub for all of the latest HR and employment law guidance for employers, and contact us if you have questions about how the updates apply to your business. 

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Wednesday 1st April 2020

National Minimum Wage increases

Although coronavirus has dominated our news and updates of late, we wanted to make sure that you remain aware of some other very important HR matters that concern your business.

We have previously shared information regarding The Good Work Plan legislative changes that will be taking effect this month and will be releasing further information as and when applicable.

Additionally, we wanted to bring to your attention that both the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage are increasing from today. The new rates are as follows:

• National Living Wage for 25 and over £8.72
• National Minimum Wage for 21 – 24 £8.20
• National Minimum Wage for 18 – 20 £6.45
• National Minimum Wage for school leavers under 18 £4.55
• Apprentice Minimum Wage for 18 – 20 £4.15

We have had some questions regarding the National Minimum Wage (NMW) increase and how this may affect furloughed employees. HMRC states that NMW only applies to hours worked. As furloughed employees are not working, they are not entitled to NMW whilst on furlough. However, if they are required to complete training during furlough, they are entitled to NMW/NLW for the time spent training so the employer will need to top the payment up. 

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Monday 30th March 2020

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – details released

Since the Government announced its emergency Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, we have received many questions from employers wanting to know how the scheme might benefit their business. Whilst we were able to answer some questions surrounding best practice HR and how the scheme should work in theory, we have been eagerly awaiting further information to know how the new employment wage subsidy support package will be applied.

We are pleased to share that the government has now released further details of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and we are happy to advise our clients seeking guidance on eligibility and access.

Rules for the support package are still subject to employment law and so it is vital that employers seek professional HR advice in order to remain compliant and to make the most out of the financial aid being made available to them. The furlough selection process carries risk, ask us if you are unsure.

Please contact us to learn the specifics, but in short, here are some key points:

• Any UK organisation that had created and started a PAYE scheme on or before 28th February 2020 is eligible. Employees must have been on the payroll by this date to be considered.
• Those who were on the payroll on this date but have since been made redundant, can be rehired and placed on furlough.
• Employees must not be working at all for the scheme to apply. This excludes training or not-for-profit volunteer work for their employer.
• Employees are not eligible for furlough when on sick-leave or self-isolating. However those who are shielding (staying home for 12 weeks as per NHS confirmation) can be furloughed.
• Employees on unpaid leave are not eligible unless this was after 28th February 2020.
• The minimum furlough period allowed is 3 weeks and employers can only claim once every three weeks.
• Minimum wage entitlements only apply to hours worked or time spent training.
• Employers can reclaim 80% of a furloughed employee’s wages up to £2,500 pm. Plus national insurance contributions and minimum auto-enrolment pension payments.
• Employers can top up furloughed employees’ wages to 100%. This is voluntary but subject to contractual agreements.
• Where an employee’s pay varies from month to month, employers can either claim for the higher amount (as per the same period last year) or based on average monthly earnings for the tax year 2019-2020. Applicable if they have been employed for 12 months before claim.
• The scheme is expected to be open an available by the end of April.

For further advice see our coronavirus job retention scheme FAQ page or contact us to find out if and how the scheme applies to your business.

Who should be going to work?

The government has advised that if employees are able to work from home, then they should. We can advise businesses in need of a remote working policy. For those who cannot work from home, physical distancing must be observed.

Those diagnosed with or showing symptoms of coronavirus (a new, persistent cough or a fever), or who live with a symptomatic person, or are advised to shield or self-isolate, should stay at home. See our coronavirus FAQ page for details regarding sick pay eligibility.

If you are in the unfortunate position where your business has been severely impacted and you cannot afford to pay employees, we are here to advise and discuss your options. Contact your local HR Dept for more information.

Find out more with our free webinar

If you are an employer and have further questions about the Job Retention Scheme and how it might apply to your business, register for our free webinar taking place on Tuesday 31st March. 

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Friday 27th March 2020

Rules on carrying over annual leave to be relaxed due to COVID-19

Acknowledging that many hard-working people are at risk of losing their unused holiday allowance due to the coronavirus pandemic, the government has today announced plans to relax the rules around carrying over some statutory annual leave entitlements.

Holiday entitlement usually carries a “use it or lost it” warning and is not generally allowed to be carried over from one year to the next. There are some exceptions which surround sickness, maternity or contractual agreements.

However, due to many people working day and night to support the national fight against COVID-19, new measures have been introduced to allow workers to enjoy some of their unused holiday at a later date.

What are the changes to The Working Time Regulations?

The changes announced today will add a further exception to regulation 13 of The Working Time Regulations 1998.

The exception, listed as The Working Time (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, states that where it is not reasonably practicable for a worker to take some, or all, of the holiday to which they are entitled due to the coronavirus, they have a right to carry the 4 weeks under regulation 13 into the next 2 leave years.

Who do the changes apply to?

Employers are legally obliged to ensure that employees take their statutory holiday entitlement and benefit from having well rested employees working for their business.

The new exception in The Working Time Regulations has been introduced to support key industries and provide more flexibility to businesses under pressure during this difficult time. Almost all workers, including agency workers, those who work irregular hours, and workers on zero-hours contracts will benefit from the amendment.

All employers are subject to these rules and will need to adhere to the update announced today. Please ask us if you have questions regarding the rules on holiday and how they apply to your business. 

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Thursday 26th March 2020 

Support announced for the self-employed

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has revealed details of a support package to help the UK’s 5 million self-employeed. 

Here is what we know so far:

• Eligible self-employed people can access a taxable grant paying 80% of their average monthly income.
• This payment is capped at £2,500 per month
• Average income will be calculated over the last three years.
• The scheme is available only to those with trading profits up to £50,000.
• Only open to those who are already self-employed and have a self-assessment tax return for 2019. Those who have not yet submitted this have four weeks from today to do so.
• Expected to be accessible in June and running for 3 months.

The scheme is expected to help 95% of people who make up the majority of their wages through being self-employed and is said to be ‘targeted at those who need it the most’.

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Monday 23rd March 2020

“You must stay at home” – Boris Johnson

Describing the coronavirus crisis as the “biggest threat this country has faced for decades” prime minister Boris Johnson has announced a complete UK lockdown for at least three weeks.

The latest Government advice regarding the lockdown is as follows:

You must stay at home. You can leave your home for the following very limited purposes:

• Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
• One form of exercise per day (alone or with members of your household) e.g. a run, walk or cycle.
• Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• Travelling to and from work – only when this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.

Additionally, you should not be meeting with friends or family members who do not live in your home. You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine, which should be as infrequently as possible. It has been advised to use food delivery services wherever possible.

Further closures and enforced social distancing

All non-essential shops, such as clothing and electronic stores, must now close. The same rules apply to other premises such as libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship. Employers who have questions about managing employees during this difficult time should contact their local HR Dept.

All public gatherings of more than two people are no longer permitted. This excludes people from the same household. And there is now a ban on all social events including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies but excluding funerals.
Parks will remain open for exercise, but gatherings will be dispersed. If rules are not being followed, the police have the power to intervene through fines and to disperse gatherings.

The measures will be reviewed in three weeks.

The prime minister signed off with a positive message that 7,500 former clinicians are returning to the NHS. 

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Friday 20th March 2020

The Government reveal ‘unprecedented’ economic intervention and new job retention scheme

Due to our close involvement with SMEs across various sectors, we have been hearing firsthand of the devastating impact that COVID-19 is having on businesses nationwide. Many emergency measures have already been put in place and it has been reported that, sadly, millions of people are likely to lose their jobs.

Enforced closures from today

To further slow the spread of coronavirus, the Government is closing all cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants from today, although they can continue to provide take away. Also closing will be nightclubs, theatres, cinemas and gyms. This decision is to be reviewed monthly.

Coronavirus job retention scheme

We are pleased to hear the announcement today that the Government is further stepping up its rescue response with an employment and wage subsidy package. The announcement comes one day after prime minister Boris Johnson spoke directly to employers saying, “stick by your employees because we will stick by you”.

We are expecting more details to be made available in the coming days but below is what we know so far:

• Coronavirus job retention scheme – any company will be eligible and can contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of people who are not working but kept on payroll. This means that workers can retain their jobs and be paid at least 80% of their salary. This is up to £2,500 per month but employers can top this up if they choose. The scheme is open for 3 months but will be extended if necessary and cover the cost of wages backdated to 1st March 2020. The first grants are expected to be made available in weeks and before the end of April.
• Coronavirus business interruption loan scheme – This will now be interest free for 12 months and loans will be available from Monday.
• Further cashflow support through the tax system – The next quarter of VAT payments are deferred. No business will pay VAT from now until the end of June and have until the end of the year to repay.
• Abolishing business rates for certain sectors – Business rates are abolished this year for businesses in hospitality, leisure and retail.
• Increasing universal credit and providing access to the self employed to pay SSP for their employees.

Advice on taking necessary steps

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s message was clear “you will not face this alone”.

Whilst this support is significant, we understand that it may not be enough to keep everyone employed. Redundancies and lay-offs can be difficult but are sometimes necessary for a business to survive. The process of letting staff go, even for a temporary period, is complicated. And the added pressure of the coronavirus pandemic can make this even more strenuous. Our HR Dept professionals are here to offer their expertise and guide employers compliantly through the process. 

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Friday 20th March 2020

Schools remain open for vulnerable children and children of key workers

The Government has released guidance clarifying which children will still be permitted to attend school during the temporary national closures caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
To reduce the spread of coronavirus it has been advised that if children can stay safely at home, they should. But if vulnerable children and those whose parents’ jobs are critical to the COVID-19 response, are not able to stay safely at home, schools will remain open.

Vulnerable children – Children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined below. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.

The following key principles are advised:

1. If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
2. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
3. Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
4. Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.
5. Residential special schools, boarding schools and special settings continue to care for children wherever possible.

If work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or the parent works in one of the critical sectors listed below, and the child cannot be kept safely at home, then these children will be prioritised for education provision:

Health and social care – This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.

Education and childcare – This includes childcare, support and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active during the COVID-19 response to deliver this approach.

Key public services – This includes those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased, and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting.

Local and national government – This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response, or delivering essential public services, such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arms length bodies.

Food and other necessary goods – This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery, as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines).

Public safety and national security – This includes police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic), fire and rescue service employees (including support staff), National Crime Agency staff, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas.

Transport – This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass.

Utilities, communication and financial services – This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors.

If workers think they fall within the critical categories above, they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.
If a parents school is closed, then they should contact their local authority, who will seek to redirect them to a local school in their area that the child, or children, can attend.

This guidance was originally published on the Gov UK website.

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Wednesday 18th March 2020

Schools close from Friday until further notice

It has now been confirmed that UK schools will close for most pupils from Friday until further notice to slow the spread of coronavirus.

The reason provided by the government is that the science and advice now suggest that school closures are necessary. Prime minister Boris Johnson has said “we will do the right things at the right time”.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson revealed the below details:

• Schools will remain open for vulnerable children (who have a social worker and/or educational health and care plans) and children of key workers (police, NHS staff, delivery drivers)
• Expected that early years providers, 6th forms and Further Education do the same.
• Asked that independent schools and boarding schools follow the same advice.
• A national voucher scheme is to be made available ASAP for every child eligible for school meals.
• May and June exams have been cancelled in England and Wales.

The news comes after many teachers have had to self-isolate leaving schools operating on skeleton staff. Pupil attendance has also dropped significantly due to parents not sending children to school as usual.

The closure of schools will have a significant impact on families throughout the UK who are navigating the COVID-19 crisis. Working parents will need to balance childcare responsibilities with their work and may require further flexibility and understanding from their employer.

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Wednesday 18th March 2020

Emergency financial support for businesses

Acknowledging coronavirus’s huge impact on the economy, we were pleased to see that Rishi Sunak’s Budget announcement focussed heavily on financial support. As the true impact of the COVID-19 crisis unfolds, increased measures are being put in place and the Chancellor has since unveiled an unprecedented financial support package and promised to do “whatever it takes” to help businesses through this economic emergency.

• £330bn in state-backed loans for all businesses. 15% of the value of the economy.
• Increasing the amount businesses can borrow through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme from £1.2 million to £5 million. First 6 months of finance interest free.
• 100% business rates holiday to all firms in the hospitality sector for the next 12 months.
• £25,000 grants to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises, with a rateable value over £15,000 and below £51,000.
• Funding grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 made available for small businesses
• Grants to small businesses eligible for Small Business Rate Relief increased from £3,000 to £10,000

Borrowers must remain aware that loan repayments will be required at a later date.

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Tuesday 17th March 2020

Avoid non-essential travel abroad for the next 30 days

British nationals have now been advised by the Foreign Office to avoid non-essential travel abroad for the next 30 days.

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Monday 16th March 2020

Avoid non-essential travel and contact with others

Further stepping up its response to COVID-19 the government has today advised the following:

• Everyone should avoid non-essential travel and non-essential contact with others.
• People should work from home where possible.
• It is advised that people avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and mass gatherings.
• Whole household isolation should take place for 14 days if anyone in a household shows even mild symptoms of coronavirus.
• Seek medical advice from the NHS 111 website. Call 111 if symptoms get worse.
• Vulnerable people (those aged over 70, pregnant women and anyone with pre-existing health conditions) should avoid all non-essential contact. It is expected that this will soon be advised for a period of 12 weeks. This is to shield and protect those at greater risk.

The above measures have been advised in order to continue to delay transmission of the virus and to keep people safe.

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Monday 16th March 2020

Latest developments in Scotland

Scotland has 153 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has reported the first death of a patient after contracting the virus.  The person was elderly with underlying health conditions.

In an attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Scotland has implemented the following measures:

• Indefinite suspension of the Scottish football season
• Advice that mass events involving more than 500 people should not take place from Monday 16 March 2020
• Weeklong school closures in Shetland
• Dunblane High School and Murroes Primary School in Angus will stay closed on Monday morning because individuals have tested positive for Covid-19.
• Glasgow University exams to be held remotely
• Many Scottish universities have announced a suspension of face-to-face teaching.
• The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has cancelled performances until further notice.
• £320m rescue fund has been made for Scottish businesses
• £50m hardship fund for people who lose their jobs as a result of business downturn caused by coronavirus.

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Friday 13th March 2020 

UK government activates “delay” phase in COVID-19 response

World news coverage has kept many of us updated on international efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus. Countries that have been impacted severely, like Italy, have taken drastic measures with national closures and quarantines. Others, with less confirmed cases of COVID-19, are beginning to introduce travel sanctions as emergency preventative measures are put into place.

What is the latest UK response to COVID-19?

COVID-19 has now officially been classed as a pandemic (prevalent worldwide) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The UK government is stepping up its response to coronavirus and moving into the second stage of a four-part plan to tackle the virus.

1. Containment
2. Delay
3. Mitigation
4. Research – which runs alongside the other phases

The delay stage accepts that spread of the virus is inevitable, and aims to slow it down until the warmer months. This is to alleviate some of the pressure placed on health and medical services already dealing with seasonal flu. 

What is the government advice currently?

The prime minister has addressed the British public directly and referred to the coronavirus pandemic as “the worst health crisis for a generation”. The current advice to the public is as follows:

• If you have coronavirus symptoms, being a new and continuous cough and/or a high temperature, stay at home for at least seven days.
• International school trips should be cancelled.
• Over 70s are advised not to go on cruises.

What about closures of schools and large public events? 

At the time of writing, the government has cited scientific evidence to suggest that it is not currently necessary to close schools or large public events.

Recommendations for your business during the delay stage

1. Continue to encourage basic hygiene

Continue to follow existing advice on preventing the spread of disease with these steps.

• Wash hands frequently for about 20 seconds with hot water and soap or use a hand sanitiser gel.
• Use a tissue (or your sleeve) for coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid touching your face.

2. Refer to your business contingency plan
In order to protect your people, assets and business, we advise referring to your business contingency plan. The plan should be unique to your business and advise how the business expects to function in the event of an emergency. Communicate adjustments to employees in good time.

If you do not have a business contingency or continuity plan and require urgent HR advice, call us.

3. Activate your home working policy

Allowing employees to work from home where possible can help your business continue to operate during times of crisis. It can also help to protect employees from the risk of contracting coronavirus. Your work from home policy should set out how employees will continue to work and clarify your expectations surrounding task completion and communication. There are many ways in which you can keep in touch and manage employees during this time. Ask us if you need advice.

The sooner you activate home working, the sooner you will know if your strategy is adequate or if changes are needed.

4. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

The prime minister said that “nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing”. And so it was announced that employees who self-isolate or are in quarantine on the basis of medical advice should be treated as ‘sick’ and will be eligible to receive SSP. This will be from day one of absence and forms part of the forthcoming COVID-19 Bill.

Employees will be able to obtain sick notes (also known as fit notes) from the NHS non-emergency service 111, which they can use as evidence for absence from work where necessary.

5. Employee assistance

This is an unsettling time for many, and employees could be feeling overwhelmed. Those with poor mental health or anxiety may be struggling to cope as well as others. Providing access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which offers telephone and face-to-face counselling can help.

Financial support for your business

The Budget informed us that SMEs will be able to reclaim SSP for 14 days, once the COVID-19 Bill is in effect.

Additional financial support is being made available, with government-backed loans of up to £1.2m to support SMEs, and HMRC are scaling up the Time To Pay service.

Further HR advice for your people management

We understand that you may have many questions during this time and that a rapidly changing situation can cause confusion. We are here to help and will continue to advise as per the latest official government advice.

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Friday 13th March 2020

Coronavirus advice for employers

The advice provided in this webinar is correct as of Friday 13th March 2020