New UK government furlough rules will help firms manage irregular workloads as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 crisis, says the Road Haulage Association (RHA).
British Chancellor of the Exchequer (Finance Minister), Rishi Sunak, has announced employees furloughed on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will be able to return to work part-time from the beginning of August.
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Employers will be asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.
Sunak said the CJRS will remain open until the end of October with workers continuing to receive 80% of their current salaries.
RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett noted the move means firms will be better prepared to service inconsistent and unpredictable workloads as the economy starts its recovery. However, hauliers will remain cautious until the overnment releases further detail later this month.
“We’ve been calling for improved measures which will offer employers greater flexibility to get their furloughed staff safely back to work as and when volumes dictate,” said Burnett.
“This announcement is a welcome step but we need to see the finer detail and what it all means for businesses gearing up for recovery.”
The RHA has urged Mr Sunak for a number of industry support measures including debt support, a fuel duty rebate, and a business rates holiday.”
