The existing furlough scheme will close from 30th June. That means that employers will only be able to furlough employees that have been furloughed for the full three-week period prior to 30th June. Note that the last day on which you can furlough an employee for the first time will be 10th June.

Flexible furloughing is to start from 1st July. Employers can bring back furloughed staff to work for any time on any shift pattern and continue to be able to make a claim under the CJRS for any normal hours not worked by their employees. Employers can make additional contributions if they wish. Employers will need to report and claim for the minimum of a one-week period. The scope for abuse is much greater than under the previous rules, so there will be audits and controls rigorously recording recalled staff and those who do not work.

Employers must agree with employees any new flexible working arrangements and this has to be confirmed in writing.

The furlough scheme will come to an end on 31 October 2020.

Further guidance is expected by 12th June on how to deal with flexible furlough claims.

We are putting together lots of guidance for our clients on this. If you would like more help with the guidance please do not hesitate to contact us, our last blog on this contained further information that you may find useful…

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