Coronavirus: What is flexible furlough?

Partner Sue Dowling, head of law firm Blandy & Blandy’s employment law team, explains the levels of support that employers and employees will receive between June and the end of the Government's Flexible Furlough Scheme in October 2020.

In a briefing on May 29, chancellor Rishi Sunak set out the Government’s plan for a phased winding down of the Furlough Scheme (also known as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Flexible Furlough Scheme).

Between now and the end of the Scheme on October 31, the level of support provided by the Government will be gradually reduced, with employers expected to contribute an increasing proportion of employee’s wages in September and October, whilst also meeting National Insurance and minimum pension contribution costs as of August 1.

From July, a month earlier than previously suggested, employers will be able to bring employees back from furlough on a part-time basis although the detail of the part-time furlough arrangements (in terms of impact on the % amount recoverable under the Scheme*) is not as yet known.

Below, we have outlined the varying levels and options that will apply on the information currently available although as more detail is expected (relating to the part-time flexible furlough arrangements), the up to date position should be checked regularly.Advice on this area of law, and on restructuring and redundancy situations, can be obtained from partners Sue Dowling or Tim Clark, in Blandy & Blandy’s specialist Employment law team.

For further information or legal advice, contact [email protected], call 0118 951 6800 or visit www.blandy.co.uk