August 2020

The Flexible Furlough Scheme was launched by the Government on the 1^st July as the next stage of the coronavirus job retention scheme. It was designed to replace the initial furlough scheme and provide employers with more flexibility with regards to bringing staff back to work on a part-time basis.

Full details of the scheme can be found on the GOV.UK website however, the following provides a useful summary of the key points:

• The scheme is operational from 1^st July 2020 until 31^st October 2020.
• Claims can only be made for an employee under the new scheme if they were furloughed under the old scheme for 3 consecutive weeks between 1^st March 2020 and 30^th June 2020. This means that the 10^th June 2020 was the latest date by which an employee must have been furloughed for the first time.
• There are exceptions to this rule which include military reservists and employees returning from statutory parental leave.
• All employees who were part of the old furlough scheme are eligible for the new flexible scheme.
• From 1^st August employers must start paying NI and pension contributions again.
• From 1^st September employers must contribute towards the cost of employees’ wages again. The amount of government support available will be tapered until the end of October.
• Employers are able to decide the working hours and shift patterns of their employees. This provides companies with the flexibility to utilise staff as much, or as little, as needed.
• Working patterns will need to be confirmed weekly in order to make a claim under the scheme.
• Working patterns must be notified to employees in writing.
• There is no minimum furlough period.

If you have any questions or need some assistance then please call us on 01173 700 079 or e-mail hello@steppingstonesaccountancy.co.uk