Network partner and award-winning legal firm Cartmell Shepherd has advised small to medium sized family businesses of the changes coming in that will apply to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (known as furlough) from 1st July.

To help SMEs understand the changes and how they apply to them, the legal UK200Group (of which Cartmell Shepherd is a member) have produced a handy guide – ‘Everything SMEs need to know about Furlough’.

The guide covers everything from what is furlough, what are the changes, how to make claims and record keeping; right through to eligibility, how to calculate claims and bringing employees back from furlough, this guide provides essential guidance to all SME businesses.

The furlough scheme has provided vital support to SMEs over the past few months. With significant changes coming into effect from 1 July, Cartmells have noticed that they are receiving an increasing number of queries from SMEs who need help and guidance on the practical aspects of having employees on furlough.

As businesses look to getting back to some form of normal and start to ‘re-open’ they are faced with some crucial decisions. This guide has been produced to help SMEs consider the implications for their business and guide them on the choices they have. It also provides practical guidance on how they can start to bring back employees from furlough, whilst ensuring they do things correctly and understand, and continue to get, the support they are entitled to.

You can access the guide here: UK200GroupGuideEverythingSMEsNeedToKnowAboutFurloughJune2020_pdf

Some aspects of the furlough scheme, and in particular the changes, are quite complex and have some significant implications. Please contact Joanne Stronach Head of Employment & HR at Cartmell Shepherd if you would like to receive some guidance or advice that is specific to your business and your circumstances. Joanne can be contacted by calling 01228 516666.