On Tuesday 12 May, the Chancellor announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme would be extended until the end of October 2020.
This means that furloughed workers will continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to £2,500. New flexibility will be introduced from August 2020, with the aim to get employees back to work and boost the economy. Further guidance is expected later this month as to what that means in practice. It’s also unclear at this stage whether the employer will be required to contribute towards the 80% salary after August 2020. We will keep you updated with all the latest developments, so please ensure you are following our social media pages so as not to miss out.
On 30 April, the Government also provided clarification that furloughed trade union or non-union representatives may undertake duties and activities for the purpose of individual and collective representation of employees and other workers. However, in accordance with the furlough scheme rules, they must not provide services to, or generate revenue for or on behalf of, their organisation or a linked or associated organisation.
