Furlough Leave (Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme) and University staff
15 Apr 2020
A message from Karen Heaton, Director of Human Resources
Dear colleagues
I hope that you and your families are keeping well and safe during this extremely challenging time.
As our country – and indeed the world – comes to terms with the unprecedented circumstances created by the coronavirus pandemic, not least the significant financial implications for many organisations, you may have read in the media about organisations who are ‘furloughing’ their employees. I wanted to share with you some more detail about what ‘furloughing’ means, the University’s position on this issue and opportunity this presents to save costs at this time.
The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, (CJRS) is designed to support employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus and where some or all of its staff are unable to work. The Scheme enables employers to retain such staff whose salaries are not publicly funded on a temporary leave of absence, known as ‘furlough leave.’ This is a temporary measure to enable employers to recover significant staff costs.
Our University’s Senior Leadership Team has agreed to furlough leave for colleagues who are unable to work at home. This is a temporary cost saving measure, and in no way reflects on the individuals in question and the value of what they are able to contribute in more normal times.
Staff who have been identified to be eligible for this furlough scheme will be notified shortly by email or letter, and there will also be further guidance for staff available on StaffNet.
Under the Scheme, HMRC will reimburse organisations 80% of salary up to £2,500 per month. The University has agreed that it will pay any colleagues placed on furlough leave the remaining balance of their salary, so there will be no financial detriment and no change to their terms and conditions of employment. During the period of their furlough leave, colleagues cannot undertake any work for, or on behalf of, the University.
The Scheme applies for the period 1 March to 31 May 2020 in the first instance, with the end date subject to further review. We will keep staff on furlough updated as this deadline approaches.
For more information please visit:
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment.
Kind regards
Karen Heaton
Director of Human Resources