Update on face covering requirements
The Government has provided clarification on where in retail environments face coverings are required - as follows:
The NFSP's understanding is that this applies to all regions in the UK.
In Scotland specifically, face visors/shields are not deemed to provide adequate protection and if you are based in Scotland you and your staff must wear a face mask in all customer-facing environments.
Please remember that you are responsible for ensuring that the working environment is COVID-secure for you and your staff. As a result, face coverings may be required if you have multiple staff working in the same space – for example behind the same counter screen or in the same fortress position, or together in a stock room.
New support measures announced today
Today the Chancellor announced new measures to support employees and the self-employed through the winter.
The following is a summary of two of the key measures – the new ‘Job Support Scheme’ and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
The NFSP will provide a comprehensive summary of all the measures announced today once further information becomes available.
New ‘Job Support Scheme’
The furlough scheme will end on 31 October as scheduled.
A new Job Support Scheme for employees will begin on 1 November – designed to allow businesses to keep people in work on shorter hours.
Employees must work at least a third of their hours and be paid for that work by their employer as normal.
Of the remaining hours not worked by the employee, Government will pay one third of those wages and the employer another third.
The Treasury has released the image below as an example.
The NFSP has re-worked the Treasury’s example as follows:
Other points to note about the new Job Support Scheme are:
The NFSP and our partner organisation HR:4UK will hold an online event in the coming weeks to talk through the new Job Support Scheme and answer any questions you might have. Details of this event will be shared on all the NFSP’s communications channels.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
Tags: