We’ve all hopefully made it through a tough January 2021! Throughout lockdown 3, we have received so many queries about the furlough scheme and how to plan for redundancies but on a positive note, so many businesses are thriving and have asked for help with recruiting additional staff.
There is still lots going on in the world of HR, so here is a roundup of key employment updates you need to be aware of:
Furlough Scheme
- This has been extended until 30 April 2021.
- The furlough scheme can no longer be used to fund redundancies, that is either notice period payments or statutory redundancy payments.
- Employers can use full furlough or flexi furlough and put staff on furlough because they have caring responsibilities or childcare issues with home schooling etc.
- With schools now likely remain closed until after the Easter holidays, continuing scientific concerns over levels of transmission of new Covid-19 strains, and the resulting delay in lifting of restrictions, employers are wise to expect, and be ready for, further requests from employees to be put on furlough.
- HMRC will publish information about employers who claim for furlough and is increasing its anti- fraud checks, so please make sure your records and agreements are up to date.
- Remember to send a written furlough agreement to the employee confirming the change to the employment contract under the furlough scheme.
If you need a furlough agreement, or if you are not sure who to choose for furlough or what to do if an employee requests it, please do get in touch for advice.
Statutory Sick pay
Remember to speak with your accountant or payroll team to reclaim the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) when an employee is sick due to COVID or has to self-isolate. Many employers are missing out on reclaiming up to 2 weeks SSP per employee.
Restructuring, Redundancies and alternatives.
This has been a priority for many employers in lockdown 3 as we look ahead to the end of CJRS, which is currently set for April 30th. We have advised so many businesses over the years, and certainly in these recent months, on how best to deal with this situation. Please get in touch if you need to discuss options and the alternatives to redundancy.
Brexit & EU status
The UK’s freedom of movement within the EU, which gives people from EU countries the right to live and work abroad ended on December 31 2020.
Effective from 1 January 2021, the new system requires companies hiring workers who meet the points-based system. The points based system will allow employers in the UK to sponsor skilled workers from abroad. This is a big change for employers recruiting from outside the UK labour market, who will need to adapt and make ensure that they continue to have access to the skills their businesses need, so it is best for businesses to be proactive in assessing work structures and the impact Brexit will have on their current staff and future recruitment.
To help employers implement these changes, I’m so pleased to have partnered with Bushra Ali Solicitors, leading immigration experts to provide you with expert advice in this area. Look out for further information on this!
Health & Wellbeing Magazine
Our lovely clients at Check my Health have produced a fantastic magazine on all things Health and Wellbeing; you can check it out using the link below and feel free to share this with your team, family and friends. https://www.flipsnack.com/checkmyhealth/check_my_health_issue_1/full-view.html
Live Vacancies
The power of networking is amazing, and we’ve been able to fill 3 recent roles through our network! With unemployment at an all-time high, please see a list of live vacancies below in case you have anyone within your network who may be interested in a new role. Don’t forget if you need any support with your recruitment needs, this can be built into any HR retainer package without an additional recruitment fee paid upon the successful placement of a candidate.
- Social Media Account Manager (Leicester)
- Electrician (Leicester)
- Property Sales Manager and Valuer (Leicester)
- Chiropractor, Osteopath or a Physical Therapist (Leicester & Bristol)
- Web Developer (Leicester)
If you need any help with HR or recruitment or would just like a chat, it would be great to hear from you!
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