This is just a quick reminder that firms now have the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back to work on a part-time basis.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said:
“Our number one priority has always been to protect jobs and businesses through this outbreak.
“The furlough scheme, which will have been open for eight months by October, has been a lifeline for millions of people and as our economy reopens we want that support to continue.
“Giving firms the flexibility to bring back furloughed workers on a part-time basis will help them work gradually and help them plan for the months ahead.”
Part-time employee hours and shift patterns will be decided by employers on an individual basis. When an employee is back in work, it is the firm’s responsibility to pay wages.
From August, the level of government grant provided through the job retention scheme will be slowly tapered to reflect that people will be returning to work.
Businesses will be asked to contribute a larger share, but crucially individuals will continue to receive that 80% of salary covering the time they are unable to work.
