Covid-19 Employee Furlough Retention Scheme

Our recent communications have highlighted the significant challenges our Group Companies as well as our clients and customers are facing right now as the COVID-19 outbreak develops.

The Directors have been constantly reviewing the actions it may need to take to protect the sustainability of the business and your jobs on a daily basis and as such “furloughing” individuals to whom work cannot be provided has become necessary.

The details of the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are still emerging however our understanding is that the government would pay 80% of your salary up to a maximum of £2,500 per month.

Shortly we will designate individuals as ‘furloughed workers’ which means that these people would not be provided with work and would continue to be paid, at least in the short term albeit at a reduced salary (80%).

Axelman Group Companies would encourage you to sign your acceptance to changes of this nature by completing the form below with your details.

The alternative, which the group companies are hoping to avoid – may be compulsory redundancy or unpaid leave. For those who are subject to furlough, their terms and conditions of employment and continuity of employment will not be affected during this period.

Employees who are absent from work as a result of medical advice and self-isolation will not be ‘furloughed’ while absent from work because they are in receipt of sick pay.

The government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is initially set to run until the end of May 2020, but it has been indicated that the scheme will be extended if necessary. We are keeping the situation under review and will keep you updated as the coronavirus crisis unfolds.

We must stress that our plans are based on the Government’s initial announcement on 20 March 2020 about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

I would like to reassure you that, even if your employment is furloughed, we are determined to do whatever we can to protect all Axelman Group Companies and your jobs and to reopen and plan to bring people back into work once the situation has improved. Please look out for further updates and do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries or concerns.

Whilst you are furloughed you will remain employees of the Group Company.

Once the furlough period has ended employees will be expected to resume their role with the company. Your role may change and you may be expected to take on new roles and responsibilities as the nature of services the business needs to provide may be different once this crisis is over.

If you have taken on employment elsewhere during this crisis your right to furlough payments may be affected.

Finally, with the inevitable tightening of controls by the government it’s important we all stay safe and well. Please listen to the advice being given to keep you and your loved ones healthy.

Please complete the form below if you are in acceptance of your furlough of employment.