Do I have to prove the business is facing financial hardship to access the scheme?
There is no specific ‘test’ to prove the business is facing financial hardship. However, employers will need to prove the outbreak has impacted their business.
How many staff can I furlough, and for how long?
There is no limit on the number of staff that can be furloughed duration of the Scheme.
Do I need employees’ consent?
Employees must be consulted and agree to be furloughed as it’s a change to the t’s and c’s of employment and subject to employment law.
How should I decide which staff to furlough?
It is usually the hardest hit parts of the business.
Are part-time workers eligible?
Employees on a full-time, part-time, agency, flexible or zero-hours contract are eligible for the furlough scheme.
The scheme also covers any employee who was made redundant since 28 February 2020.
What happens if I still can’t afford to take staff back on at the end of the period?
When the scheme ends, employers must decide as to whether employees can return to their duties.
If staff are not needed or the business cannot afford to take staff back on, the guidelines suggest it may be necessary to consider termination of employment or redundancy.