Coronavirus Job Retention (Furlough) Scheme extended until March 2021

Early this month, the Government extended the Corona Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to support individuals and businesses who are impacted by disruption caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) this winter.

The Government’s decision to further extend the CJRS is in recognition of the longer-term economic effects that the lockdown is expected to have on businesses.

Here is some key information for workers to be aware of:

• You can be furloughed whether you are on a full-time, part-time, agency, flexible or zero-hour contract.

• You must have been on your employer’s payroll on 30 October 2020 and it is not necessary to have been furloughed before.

• You keep your employment rights and entitlements such as annual leave, parental leave, and the right not to be unfairly dismissed (for employees that have more than two years’ service).

•  Furloughed employees will continue to receive 80% of their usual wages, up to the cap of £2,500 per month (pro-rated to the hours not worked).

• If you were employed and on the payroll on 23 September, but were then made redundant or stopped working, you can be re-employed and claimed for by your former employer.

• You can be furloughed if you are unable to work because you are shielding in line with public health guidance or have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus, including needing to look after children. If you are not eligible, you may be entitled to claim, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.

•  While on furlough, you cannot do any work for your employer, but you can still do training if they ask you to. You can also work elsewhere (as long as your contract allows and it is not for a business associated or linked to your employer) .

• You can also do volunteer work.