From yesterday (1st July 2020) businesses will be able to bring furloughed employees back to work on a part time basis.
The governments Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has so far helped save more than 9.3 million jobs, with employers claiming over £25.5 billion to support wages during the pandemic.
Individual firms will decide the hours and shift patterns and will be responsible of paying their wages while in work.
This scheme will remain open until the end of October.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:
“Our number one priority has always been to protect jobs and businesses through this outbreak. The furlough scheme, which will have been open for eight months by October, has been a lifeline for millions of people and as our economy reopens we want that support to continue.”
“Giving firms the flexibility to bring back furloughed workers on a part-time basis will help them work gradually and help them plan for the months ahead.”
Individuals will continue to receive 80% of their salary covering the time they are unable to work. From August, businesses will be asked to contribute a modest share of the salary as the job retention scheme will be slowly tapered.
Learn more about contributions
The government have also announced that firms which no longer require the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants can voluntarily return them. Businesses have no obligation to do this but should contact HMRC if they want to pay the grant back.