Hillier's Headlines

My light hearted take on the week gone by and the week ahead.

In this edition of Hillier’s Headlines, news of two special celebrations last week, important industry updates and a little bit about what’s happening here at People Group.

As it’s been for the past 10 weeks, most of the recent news is understandably linked to the current pandemic. But as we start to see signs of recovery, at least some of the news is a lot more positive.

Industry Updates

New guidance on furloughing

On Friday Chancellor Rishi Sunak provided further details of the extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

This now gives clarity over exactly how the scheme will work month by month through to October. There’s a couple of particular points of interest to think about now; 

1. as of 01 July businesses can start to bring staff back to work on a part time basis while claiming furlough for the remainder of the hours;
2. the final date by which an employer can furlough an employee for the first time will be 10 June, in order for the current 3 week furlough period to be completed by the 30 June deadline.

Point 1 is a really positive move to help with the transitionary period of hopefully getting back to something like normal, a move welcomed by CIPD. Point 2 self-explanatory; if you intend to newly furlough any staff for the first time, you need to think now.

Also worth taking a look at CIPDs return to work planner.

Update for self-employed

The governments Self-employment income support scheme was also extended last week meaning that those eligible will be able to claim a second and final grant capped at ￡6,570.

View all of these updates on the gov.uk website

Practical support

I mentioned last week the Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) resource that gives guidance to employers in all sectors as to how to work safely during the pandemic. There’s now a new resource based around track and trace. For employers making plans to get staff back working it’s another important read and something that can be shared with all staff to help us get through this as soon as possible. Track and trace guidelines

Questions around summer break for education professional

While there have been updates around the furlough scheme and how this will look until October, we are still awaiting clarity on where temporary education professionals sit within this. Ordinarily teaching supply staff would accrue their holiday throughout the year and have this paid out during the summer break. The current situation would mean that ‘term time’ staff would not receive any salary during the usual summer break. For additional detail see our latest news item.

Around the home office

Joining UK Recruiter on LinkedIn Live

This week, in fact tomorrow! I’ll be joining Louise Triance from UK Recruiter in a one off special on LinkedIn Live. Also joined by National Sales Manager Jason Medcalf we’ll be recapping on the Job Retention Scheme, looking at the future for umbrella payroll and discussing contractor confidence in going back to work post COVID19. Grab some popcorn, reserve your seat and join us at 3pm Wednesday 03 June.

Preparing for back to work

I must say I’m getting a little bored of my home office now, I seem to be spending far too much time here!

On that note, we have started preparing the office in readiness for some staff to return to work. We’ve not brought anyone back yet as we want to ensure that we have the required procedures in place to allow our staff to work safely. In some respects we’re quite lucky in that we do have large offices which will make life a little easier in terms of social distancing. If you are preparing similarly, use this guidance

Staff join in with 'Play Your Cards Right'

Last Friday night we invited staff to remote Play Your Cards Right, hosted by our Compliance Manager Kim. Much fun had by all as shots were taken when someone guessed wrong. All the props were in place with Kim and family creating large cards and using the pool table on its side to hold them. A very creative and good effort all round which I know was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

New resources due this week

We’re pretty excited about launching our new website homepage this week. We’re just checking everything and hope to go live by midweek at the latest. We hadn’t fully refreshed the homepage for about 18 months and as you’ll know nothing stands still for too long these days! The new page will provide us with a lot more flexibility to signpost visitors to the most relevant pages for their needs. Keep an eye out during the week, and if you’re inclined, why not let us know what you think?

Also worth looking out for is a new 6 page update we’ll be providing later this week. Titled 3 Ways Recruiters Need to Think Differently we explore what recruiters could learn based on recent feedback from both Recruitment Leaders and contractors. To be among the first to see the new resource sign up to our updates or just bookmark our news and insights page.

2 special celebrations

Last week was rather a busy one for the Hillier family. Both my wife Sarah, and daughter

Ruby had their first and hopefully only lockdown birthdays! Ruby celebrated her 11th birthday and Sarah, well, I’m not allowed to say…30 something!! (Brownie points for me there).

Whilst different to the normal celebrations, we had beautiful weather and were able to celebrate in style in the garden.

Ruby Alice Hillier, Aged 11 with her birthday momento!

I’ll leave it there for this week. Stay safe, keep well and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Terry Hillier, CEO People Group Services