UPDATED FURLOUGH GUIDANCE

Released On 7th Apr 2020

This weekend the Government updated the guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme providing some useful clarification. Government guidance is available at www.gov.uk and ACAS guidance is available at www.acas.org.uk

The following can be furloughed;

Staff who are “shielding” i.e. those living with someone in a vulnerable group and unable to work from home

Staff who have to remain at home to look after children

Office holders including company directors

“Workers” who are not employees

Agency workers

Nannies and cleaners provided they are paid via PAYE

Staff who left for any other reason after 28 February 2020 with continuity of employment preserved

Staff on furlough should be encouraged to undertake training with salaries “topped up” to the NMW in respect of time spent training if the furloughed wage is lower

Wages, past overtime, fees and compulsory commissions payments can be claimed

Discretionary bonuses, tips and commission payments and non cash payments cannot be claimed

Taxable non-monetary benefits including company cars and private health insurance cannot be claimed

ACAS guidance has been updated to say that furloughed employees can still take their holiday in the usual way including bank holidays

If you need more information on the Scheme and how to implement it, contact our office to speak with our friendly qualified Pardoes team on Yeovil 01935 382680