Planning for Flexible Furlough

How is the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) changing?

The CJRS will close in its current form on 30 June 2020. From 01 July 2020 employers, who had previously furloughed workers for a minimum 3 week period in the scheme prior to 30 June 2020, will be able to access the Flexible Furlough Scheme to bring back workers on a part time basis.

• The CJRS closes to new entrants to the scheme on 30 June 2020, therefore the last date an employer can furlough workers is 10 June 2020 so that a full 3 week furlough period may be completed by 30 June 2020.
• The new scheme will close on 31 October 2020.
• The contribution rates that the Government are currently offering will also be changing.
• Under the scheme to 30 June 2020, employees were required to do no work. However from 01 July, some work may be undertaken by the employee for the employer for which they will receive normal remuneration, paid by the employer. 

What is Flexible Furlough?

The Government will continue to pay 80% of fully furloughed employees' salaries however the employer can decide that employees (furloughed under the original scheme) may return to work on a part time basis. Employers will pay the employee for hours worked and may claim up to 80% of the hours not worked (furlough). Despite any partial return to work, employers can still claim the furlough grant for their normal hours not worked.

Planning for Flexible Furlough

Government Guidance is being published on 12 June 2020 and in the meantime the CIPD has produced a checklist to provide employers with key dates and tasks to assist with planning for flexible furlough.