[UK] Call for government to extend furlough scheme to June

The UK government has been called upon to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to June 30, 2021. The plea came from the CIPD, who say it is crucial for ministers to set out a long-term plan which will protect jobs beyond March.

Peter Cheese - CIPD's chief executive - wrote to the Chancellor following consultation with HR leaders who have been key workplace decision-makers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CIPD is asking for for a joint package of job protection and training support to provide business stability and support individuals over the next six months of continued economic uncertainty:

• The government to extend the scheme beyond March 31 to the end of June to help businesses plan and to continue to protect jobs
• The level of wage subsidy to remain at 80 per cent for February and March because the vaccine roll-out programme will be in its infancy and the trajectory of the virus uncertain over the next few months;
• It should then reduce to 70 per cent in April and then remain at 60 per cent from May
• The next phase of the CJRS to not only protect jobs but to enable firms to train staff who are fully furloughed or working reduced hours and to provide funded skills development for anyone made redundant.

Personnel Today has further details of the measures the CIPD is seeking.

The UK government has been called upon to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to June 30, 2021. The plea came from the CIPD, who say it is crucial for ministers to set out a long-term plan which will protect jobs beyond March.

Peter Cheese - CIPD's chief executive - wrote to the Chancellor following consultation with HR leaders who have been key workplace decision-makers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CIPD is asking for for a joint package of job protection and training support to provide business stability and support individuals over the next six months of continued economic uncertainty:

• The government to extend the scheme beyond March 31 to the end of June to help businesses plan and to continue to protect jobs
• The level of wage subsidy to remain at 80 per cent for February and March because the vaccine roll-out programme will be in its infancy and the trajectory of the virus uncertain over the next few months;
• It should then reduce to 70 per cent in April and then remain at 60 per cent from May
• The next phase of the CJRS to not only protect jobs but to enable firms to train staff who are fully furloughed or working reduced hours and to provide funded skills development for anyone made redundant.

Personnel Today has further details of the measures the CIPD is seeking.