Summary of Changes

The Coronavirus Job Retention (Furlough) Scheme (CJRS)

On 1 August 2021, the Government reduced its CJRS contribution to 60% of salary for the hours that an employee is on furlough, and this level of contribution will continue until the scheme ends on 30 September 2021. At the same time, the employer contribution increased to 20% of salary (up to £625/month). 

Employers are free to top up employees’ salaries to 100% if they wish.

End of the emergency coronavirus right-to-work checks

Since 30 March 2020, employers have been using temporary adjustments to the process of checking individual rights to work, allowing employers to check documents remotely.

From 1 September 2021, this changes. Employers will revert to face-to-face and physical document checks as set out in legislation and guidance. Employers do not need to carry out retrospective checks on those who had a COVID-19 adjusted check between 30 March 2020 and 31 August 2021 (inclusive). Details of the right to work checks that must be carried out by employers can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checks-employers-guide

COVID-19 self-isolation rules change

With effect from 16 August 2021, employees who are fully vaccinated, or are aged 18 and under, are no longer required to self-isolate and remain absent from work if they have been in close contact with somebody who has tested positive for COVID-19.