On 18 May 2020, the Government published an updated version of the draft legislation implementing the proposed reforms to the private sector off-payroll working regime. Originally such reforms were intended to be implemented with effect from 6 April 2020 however, due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the implementation of the reforms has been […]
IR35 reforms: Updated draft legislation published Read More »
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has today announced further details of the forthcoming changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CRJS) which were trailed in his announcement on 12 May 2020: The CJRS will continue until the end of October 2020, with employees on furlough continuing to receive 80% of salary up to a maximum of
Further detail of Job Retention Scheme changes Read More »
On 18 May, the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill sailed through its second reading in the House of Commons by a majority of 351 to 252. The bill marks a small milestone in the UK’s journey towards the end of the Brexit transition period and into the uncharted waters of a new
The “B” word is back – Brexit pandemic planning for the new immigration system Read More »
This week is mental health awareness week in the UK. Falling in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and just as the UK starts to take its initial steps to get back to business, the timing provides a perfect opportunity for employers to reflect on their support for staff mental health and to consider how
Mental health awareness week: Workplace mental health in the coronavirus era Read More »
In a much trailed statement on Sunday evening, Boris Johnson made a number of announcements about the Government’s proposals for easing lockdown and facilitating a return to work. The statement was widely expected to clarify the immediate way forward for businesses and to be accompanied by the publication of guidance to assist employers to understand
COVID-19: Latest Government announcements – What now for employers? Read More »
On 29 April 2020, following a consultation process, the Law Commission published its 212 page report on employment law hearing structures (together with a summary document). The objectives of the review were to remove unnecessary anomalies relating to the jurisdictions of discrimination and employment law, increase efficiency by ensuring that employment and discrimination cases are
Law Commission publishes proposals for employment tribunal reform Read More »
The ECJ has given a preliminary ruling on a reference from the Watford Employment Tribunal in the case of B v Yodel Delivery Network Ltd regarding determining worker status. The ECJ ruled that the definition of worker status applied by the UK courts is not incompatible with EU law (specifically the Working Time Directive). The
ECJ ruling on determining worker status: B v Yodel Delivery Network Limited Read More »
Businesses may not yet be able to fully open their doors and resume operations as before; however, for some, the light at the end of the tunnel is starting to break through. While it may still be some time until it’s ‘business as usual’, now that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is up and
COVID-19: Returning to work – Top 10 issues for employers Read More »
This page will be regularly updated with the latest developments impacting on UK employers seeking to manage the impact of the Coronavirus crisis on their workforce. For information on lock-down and business closures: Organisation Guidance Date published/updated Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Guidance: Further businesses and premises to close March 2020 N/a Full
Regular update on COVID-19 developments for employers Read More »
In a flurry of end-of-week activity, not only has the Chancellor announced an extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from 31 May 2020 until at least 30 June 2020, HMRC has revised its existing guidance and also published new documents, at the same time confirming that the online employer portal will be open on
HMRC updates guidance on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme again Read More »
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”) was originally planned to apply for a 3 month period from 1 March 2020 to 31 May 2020. Following the extension of the lockdown period on 16 April, the Treasury announced today (17 April) that the CJRS would be extended until the end of June 2020.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Treasury announces extension to end of June Read More »
In the three weeks since HMRC first issued detailed guidance on the terms of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”), that guidance has changed 3 times, first on 4 April, again on 9 April and then again on 15 April. Employers grappling with difficult decisions about their workforce at a time of immense economic uncertainty
On 15 April the Government updated its guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and issued a Treasury Direction under ss.71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020, which provides the underlying legal framework for the CJRS. The Treasury Direction makes one major change to the operation of the CJRS: The relevant date is
Be Aware: Updated guidance and legal framework for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Read More »
HMRC have issued a further update to their Guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (JRS). Despite the updated guidance being issued the evening before the Good Friday bank holiday, it still does not address the issue of holiday entitlement during furlough or pay for any such holiday. We anticipate further guidance on this topic
Further update to HMRC Guidance on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Read More »
In a session of the Treasury Select Committee today (8 April 2020), HMRC has provided the following information which will be useful to employers who have furloughed, or are about to furlough, employees under the Government’s Job Retention Scheme (JRS). The JRS portal, which employers must use to claim reimbursement of furloughed employees’ wages, is
Job Retention Scheme: Update on employers’ access to funds Read More »