Legislation and Guidance

As the CJRS scheme moves towards its closure at the end of September 2021, July sees the first reduction in the Government contribution to wages for unworked hours.  The table below shows the level of UK Government contribution from July to September and the required employer contribution where the employee is furloughed 100% of the time and therefore in receipt of 80% of wages subject to the £2,500 cap. Where employers are flexibly furloughed the wage caps are proportional to the hours not worked. 

Employers can continue to top up wages at their own expense if they wish to do so.

The end to the temporary adjustments to right to work check measures has been delayed from 21 June to 31 August.  This follows on from the decision to delay easing of lockdown restrictions beyond 21 June.  For more information on this see our blog on the changes to right to work checks.

News

The UK Government has announced that the Covid19 vaccination is to become compulsory for staff working in cares homes in England.  Staff will have 16 weeks to get both jabs and if they do not they will face being redeployed from front line care or potentially losing their jobs.  Staff who can prove they are medically exempt from getting the vaccine will not be affected.

A study by Timewise, who campaign for greater flexible working, has found that the Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted on part time workers who have faced higher levels of reduced hours and redundancy than full time workers.  They are also less likely to return to normal working hours.  Timewise are calling for part time workers to be prioritised in the UK Government's recovery plans and for the right to work flexibly from day one of employment to be included in the Employment Bill.