Update provided on 03/04/2020
As you will be aware, the Government has unveiled the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) as part of a number of measures to help and support the UK's workforce.
The CJRS intervention is greatly appreciated in these unprecedented times, however, we believe that the Government still need to provide more detail about how the scheme will operate in practice. More specifically, we need to understand how it will apply to individuals who are employed via an umbrella company, such as Champion Contract Services Limited (Champion).
It is our current belief that umbrella employees who have been sent home because there is no work for them (“furloughed”), may potentially qualify for the CJRS scheme.
On this basis, we have provided the brief summary below:
- To be eligible for CJRS you had to be employed by Champion on or before the 28th February 2020.
- The scheme is only for employees who are deemed to be “Furloughed” – you also cannot undertake any work during a furlough period.
- The minimum period for being furloughed is 3 weeks - this can however be increased to a maximum of 12 weeks, although the Government have indicated that it may be extended further.
The CJRS is optional for employers, but Champion can confirm that we do intend to support it, if the Government framework permits.
For information, Champion is an accredited member of The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA). FCSA are liaising daily with Government to obtain much needed clarification on our behalf.
Public Sector Organisations
If you provide services to a Public Sector organisation please click HERE for specific guidance and payment information.
If your assignment has been terminated early due to the Coronavirus pandemic, please let Champion know by emailing furlough@championcontractors.co.uk
Assuring you of our best intentions at all times
Champion Contract Services Limited