The government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has now been extended to 30 April 2021.
The University's guidance has now been updated in light of the latest guidance from HMRC and the Treasury Directive.
In summary the key elements are:
- Confirmation that the current reimbursement regime will operate until 30 April 2021 (i.e. 80% of salary to a cap of £2,500 but no employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) or pension contributions)
- The University will continue to pay furloughed staff at their normal full rate of pay
- Staff who meet the criteria can be furloughed on a full-time or part-time basis, as appropriate
- The University cannot claim reimbursement for furloughed staff who are serving notice. NB staff who are coming to the expected end of a FTC can be furloughed
- Staff who are on furlough should be reminded that they should book annual leave for any period in which they would not be available to return to work with 24 hours notice
- Reimbursement for furloughed staff can be claimed from the point at which an individual agrees to be furloughed, but that this does not have to be a written exchange. Departments should ask staff if they agree to stop work during the furlough period and take a note of any response. This will allow a claim for reimbursement to start from when the furlough period starts, rather than waiting for the employee to respond to the written furlough letter.
See the full CJRS/furlough scheme guidance