Kentish Express Ashford & District
Mixed response to scheme extension
Business leaders have reacted with relief at the furlough announcement, but some say it is merely a “sticking plaster”.
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Jo James, echoing comments made by the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The extension of the Job Retention Scheme will come as a huge help and a huge relief for businesses across the UK.
“The Chancellor is once again listening to what we’ve been saying, and the changes planned will help businesses bring their people back to work through the introduction of a part-time furlough scheme.”
Amanda Finn, partner and head of employment at Gullands Solicitors, based in Maidstone and Gravesend, said although welcomed by many, the extended wages support may still not be enough.
She explained: “Without full detail of what happens after July then it is difficult to see what happens in August onwards but the principle that there will be a phased return to work from August to October will assist employers in getting to grips with managing their workforce back into the workplace while having regard to their safety.
“Plans need to be considered sooner rather than later about working conditions, office hours and whether they can be staggered and how your staff travel to work or continue at home.
“However, the economics of a recession will mean that unless those business have a market for their goods and services many will be considering now whether the sticking plaster of the extended furlough system is enough to mend the wound.
“Some are already consulting and considering redundancies as a result of the reduced capacity that they will have for clients and customers and bearing in mind the additional costs they must bear to reorganise the workplace to achieve social distancing.”