Flexible furlough scheme begins a month earlier than expected

From 1 July

Adam Saville
clock • 1 min read

From 1 July businesses are allowed to being furloughed employees back to work on a part-time basis and firms will be given flexibility to decide the hours and shift patterns of employees.

The government will continue to pay 80% of salaries for the hours they do not work. According to the government, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has so far protected more than 9.3 million jobs throughout the pandemic, with employers claiming more than £25.5bn to support wages. It was announced in May that the scheme would be extended to October, with the introduction of flexible part-time returning to work was originally planned for August. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: "Our number one priority has always been to protect jobs and businesses through this out...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Tessa Lee: The invisible cost of poor client data

Tessa Lee: The invisible cost of poor client data

How can you improve data quality?

Tessa Lee
clock 23 July 2026 • 4 min read
Dean Proctor: Hopes and fears for the new PM and cabinet

Dean Proctor: Hopes and fears for the new PM and cabinet

Stability, simplicity and the chance to do things differently

Dean Proctor
clock 23 July 2026 • 5 min read
Should spousal maintenance be abolished? A modern perspective

Should spousal maintenance be abolished? A modern perspective

Making the case for abolition and retention

Amy Walpole and Karen Brennan
clock 22 July 2026 • 4 min read