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<p>The Chancellor has outlined an unprecedented package of measures to protect millions
of people’s jobs and incomes as part of the national effort in response to Coronavirus.</p><p>
</p><p>We urge employers to be understanding when individuals are unable to work as
a result of following Government advice on Coronavirus.</p><p> </p><p>Many people
on zero-hours contracts will be entitled to statutory sick pay, although some individuals
will not meet the qualifying criteria. Those who are ineligible to receive statutory
sick pay are able to claim Universal Credit and/or Employment and Support Allowance,
where they qualify.</p><p> </p><p>Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, UK employers
with a PAYE scheme will be able to access support, so they can continue paying part
of their employees’ salary where they might otherwise have been laid off. This applies
to furloughed workers that have been asked to stop working, yet are being kept on
the payroll. HMRC will reimburse 80% of their wages, up to £2,500 per month, to safeguard
workers from being made redundant. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will cover
the cost of wages backdated to 1 March and is initially open for 3 months, but will
be extended if necessary. This scheme aims to support all those employed through the
PAYE system regardless of their employment contract, including those on zero-hour
contracts.</p><p> </p><p>Businesses and employees can get further advice on individual
employment issues at the Acas website.</p>
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