On 15th April, Pact updated and published two template letters that Pact members can use to furlough their employees and workers. The templates can be used for anyone who is eligible for the government’s COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was announced by the government to cover wages for employees who are temporary out of work due to Coronavirus (“furloughed”). Under the scheme, any entity (including businesses, charities, recruitment agencies and public authorities) with a UK payroll can apply to HMRC for support for their furloughed staff. Those eligible will be entitled to receive 80% of their regular wages from HMRC, up to the monthly cap of £2,500. It is discretionary whether the employer wishes to pay the remaining 20%, they are under no obligation to do so. For more information on furloughing, please see the government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
If you are a Pact member and would like to get hold of the templates, they can be downloaded from their website via the Resource Library, here: http://www.pact.co.uk/member-services/resourcelibrary.html?q=Furlough