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With the UK in lockdown, there’s no denying the impact this will have on businesses in the coming weeks and months. From sick pay to homeworking, for employees and employers, knowing your rights and obligations during this time is crucial. Here, we set out summary guidance for employers and employees to provide clarity and address the current legal position on some of the most significant employment law issues at this time. For urgent advice on employment issues during the pandemic, contact us on 01738 623432 or complete our online enquiry form.

Since the Chancellor announced the Corona Virus Job Retention Scheme, it has been universally hailed by most employers and seen as a key measure to ensure that their businesses will survive the current lockdown.   Following the announcement however, many have not read the guidance that has been issued providing (some) details and so are therefore not aware of the limitations. It is really important that employers understand what the scheme is and isn't - and make sure they comply with its rules, as otherwise they could find themselves in a worse position than they would have been without it.

On 20th March the Chancellor announced a package of measures aimed at supporting business and protecting jobs throughout the UK. The headline of course is that where businesses were to furlough (or lay off as we know it in Scotland) employees, then the Government would pay 80% of their salary up to a maximum of £2,500 per month - the "Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme" This provides some much needed real support for both business owners and employees across the whole spectrum of industries in Scotland. The timing of it is particularly important for businesses in the hospitality industry where the Government also in effect ordered their businesses to shut down and send their employees home at the same time. What we didn't receive (understandably) were details - this is a "one size fits all" policy and of course it would be impossible for the Government to have provided that and unreasonable for us to expect it at the time.

With 27 confirmed cases in Scotland, both workers and business owners are understandably concerned if they need to take time off work as coronavirus fears spread across the UK. But what will this means for employers and employees?