On demand webinar – the return to work and restructuring the workforce

You can now view the recording of our webinar on the return to work and restructuring the workforce. The webinar was recorded on 15 July 2020. To view the recording, click here. To view the slides, click here.

During the webinar we take you through the issues employers should be aware of and give you practical guidance on dealing with the challenges faced by employers as a result of the impact of Coronavirus on the workplace.

The return to work – employment law issues

According to government guidance, the focus remains on allowing employees to work from home where possible. However, this is not possible in many workplaces, and with the easing of the lockdown and the opening of more businesses, more employees will be returning to work. The government has set out its recovery strategy and guidance on working safely during Coronavirus. Changes have been made to the furlough scheme to allow employers to bring employees back to work part-time whilst still claiming the grant for non-working furloughed hours.

We look at issues for employers involved in the return to work, including:

health and safety obligations that employers need to be aware of;
COVID secure guidelines;
how to deal with employees who are reluctant or refuse to return to work;
relaxation of shielding provisions;
using flexible furlough from 1 July – how does it work and what do employers need to do.

Restructuring the workforce

As of midnight on 21 June, the Government reported that a total number of 9.2 million jobs have been furloughed with a total value of £22.9bn. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended to the end of October but employers will have to contribute to the cost of that scheme from August. Unfortunately, some employers may not be in a position to retain all of their workforce for the duration of the scheme or after it has ended. Employers may also need to consider changing terms and conditions of employment.

We guide you through some of the issues involved, including:

whether redundancies can take place during furlough;
carrying out a redundancy process during or after furlough;
the interplay between furlough and notice pay;
how to change employees’ terms and conditions, including hours of work and pay;
collective and individual consultation obligations, and the challenges involved in consultation during furlough;
the risks involved for the employer.

If you would like to view the webinar, please click here. If you would like to view the slides, please click here.

Originally posted 30 June 2020. Updated 17 July 2020.

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