Furloughed workers

If your employer cannot cover staff costs due to COVID-19, they may be able to access support to continue paying part of your wage, to avoid redundancies.

If your employer intends to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, they will discuss with you becoming classified as a furloughed worker. This would mean that you are kept on your employer’s payroll, rather than being made redundant.

• For September, the government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 for the hours the employee is on furlough. Employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions and top up employees’ wages to ensure they receive 80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500, for time they are furloughed.
• For October, the government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875 for the hours the employee is on furlough. Employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions and top up employees’ wages to ensure they receive 80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500, for time they are furloughed.

View more information on the changes to the Job Retention Scheme.

You will remain employed while furloughed. Your employer could choose to fund the differences between this payment and your salary, but does not have to. If your salary is reduced as a result of these changes, you may be eligible for support through the welfare system, including Universal Credit.

Claiming benefits

Whether you are currently in or out of work, if you are on a low income and affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19, you will be able to access the full range of the welfare system, including Universal Credit.

From 6 April the Government are increasing the standard allowance in Universal Credit and the basic element in Working Tax Credit for 1 year. Both will increase by £20 per week on top of planned annual uprating.

This will apply to all new and existing Universal Credit claimants and to existing Working Tax Credit claimants.

If you have COVID-19 or are staying at home, you are now able to claim Universal Credit, and if required can access advance payments upfront without needing to attend a jobcentre.

View more information on Work and Financial Support.

Changes to health assessments

Considering the current coronavirus outbreak, the Department for Work and Pensions has taken the precautionary decision to temporarily suspend all face-to-face assessments for health and disability-related benefits. This was aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to coronavirus and safeguarding the health of individuals claiming health and disability benefits, many of whom are likely to be at greater risk due to their pre-existing health conditions.

• Face-to-face assessments to remain suspended, but kept under review.
• Some review and reassessment activity to gradually resume from July 2020 for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
• People are encouraged not to delay making claims as all benefits remain open and telephone and paper based assessments are in place where appropriate.

This temporary suspension, initially brought in for three months to protect people from unnecessary risk of coronavirus at the outset of the pandemic, will remain in place following a consideration of the latest public health guidance. We will announce any changes to this in due course.

All services remain open and people are encouraged to make a claim if they believe they need support, or to update the department on a change of their circumstances.

Mortgage Payment Holidays

The Government has announced that all homeowners will be able to claim a three-month break from their mortgage repayments if they are unable to pay because of coronavirus.

Read about mortgage payment holidays.

Protection for renters affected by coronavirus

The Government has announced measures to protect renters affected by coronavirus. As a result, no renter in either social or private accommodation will be forced out of their home during this difficult time.

Skills Toolkit

The Government has recently produced a new online Skills Toolkit which provides easy to access, free, high-quality digital and numeracy courses to help build up skills, progress in work and boost job prospects. The platform offers a range of courses at all levels from introductory to advanced and is open to everyone, whether they have been recently furloughed and want to learn new skills, are out of work or are just keen to keep busy during time spent at home.

We will continue to keep this page up to date as more information becomes available.

In the meantime, you can also find support from the following resources:

Wandsworth Citizens Advice:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/

Acas (Advice for employers and employees):

https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

The Money Advice service:

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/coronavirus-and-your-money

Hospitality Action (Grants for employees of the Hospitality Industry in hardship):

https://www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/get-help/