Through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers will be able to access support to continue to pay part of the salaries of employees that are laid off because of the crisis.
HMRC will reimburse 80 per cent of these worker’s wage costs, up to a cap of £2,500 per month, backdated to 1 March 2020.
HMRC will be setting up the systems required for this new scheme and more details will follow.
Statutory Sick Pay will be available to all who are advised to self-isolate from coronavirus or are caring for someone else who has, provided the employees earnings are over £118/week.
Rules around GP sick notes have also been relaxed, and a notification can be obtained from NHS 111 Online.
Statutory Sick Pay will be paid from day one instead of day four and government intend to legislate so this measure applies retrospectively from 13 March 2020.
The government will refund the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for up to 14 days to small and medium-sized businesses.
Employment allowance to increase by £1,000 allowing certain businesses who employ staff to reduce their National Insurance bill by £4,000.
The Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has advice for businesses on dealing with a range of employment issues including staff absence, homeworking, staff presenting symptoms, closing premises and staff lay-offs.