Update: Flexi-Furlough

From 1 July 2020, employers can now bring back furloughed employees to work part time whilst still claiming the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grant. Flexi-furlough arrangements can apply to a variety of work patterns, including employees working two-three days a week or working only mornings or afternoons.

The deadline to furlough employees for the first time passed on 10 June 2020, aside from those on maternity, paternity or other parental leave. However, employees who had been previously furloughed since 1 March 2020 and then come back to work can be re-furloughed for a new period of three consecutive weeks before 1 July 2020, even if the three consecutive week period ends after 1 July 2020.

Flexi-furlough has been a welcome addition to the furlough scheme, particularly in light of the winding down of the scheme from 1 August 2020. From this date, employers will be required to meet the cost of National Insurance and pension contributions, with contributions to wages also increasing each month (10% from 1 September and then 20% from 1 October) until the scheme ends on 31 October 2020.