The government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme had been due to end on 31 October but, in light of the new lockdown, it has been extended to 31 March 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 the government review of the scheme by 31 January (i.e. 80% of salary to a cap of £2,500 but no employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) or pension contributions)
- From 1 December 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
- We cannot furlough staff who are on unpaid sick leave
- Confirmation that in order for claims to be backdated to 1 November, the member of staff must have agreed to be furloughed by 13 November, and confirmed (either orally on in writing) that they have not done any work for the University during the period 1-13 November
- Clarification that 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
