Flexible furlough scheme starts today

The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has so far helped protect more than 9.3 million jobs through the pandemic, with employers claiming more than £25.5 billion to support wages.

The scheme will remain open until the end of October and will continue to support jobs and business in a measured way as people return to work, our economy reopens and the country moves to the next stage of its recovery.

From today employers will have the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back to work on a part time basis.

Individual firms will decide the hours and shift patterns their employees will work on their return, so that they can decide on the best approach for them - and will be responsible for paying their wages while in work.

At the start of the pandemic, the Government promised to do whatever it takes to protect jobs and livelihoods – and now as restrictions continue to ease and the economy continues to recover strongly, it is right support changes as well.

Most of these schemes still do not end until September or after, giving continuity and certainty for businesses and families – this was welcomed by businesses and sector leaders at the time, who praised the reassurance provided for the ‘long term’.

This will help to smooth the transition back to normality – supporting businesses and people as they get back in to work and continue on the road to recovery.