Furlough scheme comes to an end
The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (also known as the furlough scheme) officially comes to an end this week
With the Thursday, September 30, deadline fast approaching, many employers will need to decide whether to take back their furloughed workers or make them redundant. If not handled correctly, this process could bring with it huge financial risk for your business. It’s crucial that you seek professional advice if you need to make any changes to an individual’s terms and conditions of employment – or if you are having to let them go completely. This will ensure your business is not put at greater financial risk of a claim than it would if you had continued to employ them.
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that there are still currently between 1.3 and 1.7 million people on either full or partial furlough. The information released by the ONS also shows that between 300,000 to 800,000 workers are fully furloughed. While those people on partial furlough are doing work for their current employer, it is hoped that they might be able to go back to work normally. However, this may not be the case, and employers may be having discussions about changes in roles and hours. For those still fully on furlough, the situation is a little more worrying.
In the worst-case scenario, these individuals could find themselves looking for new jobs when the scheme ends on September 30. On a positive note, between September 13-19, it was reported that there were 1.9 million active job listings in the UK. So, on face value it appears there are enough jobs available for everyone currently on the furlough scheme. But are they the right jobs in the right places to meet the skills of those looking for opportunities? The past week has shown evidence of that, with a lack of HGV drivers leading to fuel not reaching garage forecourts. This, in turn, has led to panic buying of petrol and diesel.
There’s no doubt that labour shortages have a massive impact on the economy and it is imperative they are resolved quickly. By filling vacancies effectively and quickly, it will help businesses not only survive but also take the all-important next steps after the Covid-19 pandemic. It is going to be hard work and is likely going to need employers to look at remuneration packages. These include better salaries, flexible working opportunities and the chance to grow and develop.
At Sekoya, our team can support you in all elements of this. Please give us a call and we will be happy to talk through how we can help you and your business.
You can contact us by calling us 01872 306100 or 01752 969100 or emailing
info@sekoya.com