Corona Virus

The information on Corona Virus is changing by the hourly, but this is a summary of what we know so far….

Those staff who are classed as High Risk must socially isolate for 12 weeks. They can receive SSP for this period. Staff in this category will be receiving a letter in the next few days to advise them they are in this category.

Everyone who can should work from home.

Everyone should practice Social Distancing.

If you are in a position where you have no work for your staff, on Friday the Government has said they will pay 80% of their salary, up to £2500 per month. We will know more about this scheme when the legislation is published. This can only be used for staff on payroll in February 2020. Staff need to agree to this change – it is a change to the Contract of employment – and they can NOT do any work whilst receiving this. One thing we do know – this introduces a new word to Employment Law – Furlough. Staff who have no work and go on this scheme are classed as ‘Furloughed’. You have the option of paying staff the 80% from the Government, or topping it up with 20% so they receive their full salary.

It is unclear how this will be paid ie will it be straight to the employees, or will it go through the employer?

If you are in the position of needing to bring this in, please contact me and we can talk through the best way to do this. I can also provide a letter which staff will need to sign, to agree to this scheme, which has clauses in to protect the employer and clearly states how this will be brought to an end.

The idea of this scheme is to enable you to retain your staff – retain the talent and skills that you will need to rebuild your business when this is over.