Holidays and flexible furlough scheme
Now that the flexible furlough scheme is up and running there have been a few questions around the same point – can we use furlough for employees taking holidays? Now, in the previous scheme it has been quite clear that holidays can be taken during furlough leave and this also applies to the flexible furlough scheme. However, the guidance clearly states that “Employees should not be placed on furlough for a period simply because they are on holiday for that period.” So, if someone is working and then has a week’s holiday agreed you can’t put them on furlough leave for that week. HMRC would see this as an abuse of the system and you could be liable to repay this money.
Test and Trace- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
The HM Treasury has confirmed that those employees who have been told to self-isolate under the Test and Trace system will be entitled to SSP from day one, even if they are asked to self-isolate more than once. Please note that under the SSP Rebate Scheme employers can recover up to two weeks SSP per eligible employee where the first day of incapacity due to COVID-19 fell on or after 13 March 2020. It doesn’t appear from HMRC, that an employer can make multiple claims for one employee.
Did you know that we are currently carrying out;
- COVID-19 Risk Assessments- an essential process before going back into the workplace.
- Online training Carrying out disciplinaries remotely.
Managing Flexible Working requests.
Handling Difficult Conversations. - Employee Engagement Surveys- being proactive, focusing on health and the wellbeing of employees and supporting employees in getting back into the workplace.
Interested? Get in touch today with our employment law solicitors and HR consultants!
