This is a guest article which has been provided by HR Advisers The HR Dept. If you have any questions regarding this subject – please see contact details at the end of this article.
Do you need to make changes to your workforce in response to COVID-19?
Many businesses have had to change core operations due to coronavirus (COVID-19). The risk to public health has meant that much of society has been put on hold for months, and we have seen an urgent shift towards home working become the only viable way of working for most businesses.
Businesses unable to operate at full capacity have been able to keep people employed by placing them on furlough leave through the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. But as we move through the phases of the government’s roadmap to recovery, employers will be asked to contribute more for their furloughed employees. The scheme is due to end in October.
The economic impact of coronavirus has meant that many employers are going to need to consider essential changes to their business, which will require people management support from HR.
A case for redundancies
Prepare your business case for staff redundancy. If it is to save money, itemise the savings you have already made before starting the redundancy process. Can you continue to use the furlough scheme or create alternative jobs before resulting to redundancies?
If you have considered the alternatives and concluded that redundancies are unavoidable, it is essential to seek professional advice.
Redundancy rules are complex and there are some additional considerations to remain aware of if you are currently claiming through the coronavirus job retention scheme.
Following a fair and legal redundancy process
The most important part of any company redundancy process is that you end up with the best staff to take your business forward. And that any departing staff are treated fairly and leave the company with their dignity intact.
You will need to be careful around notice periods, pay entitlements and selection criteria. Getting this wrong can lead to an employee bringing a tribunal case against you for unfair dismissal.
To avoid discrimination, make sure all staff are included in the redundancy process, especially those on long-term sickness absence or maternity leave, although these groups do have additional protection.
Identify a potential selection pool. Then ensure your selection criteria is fair and score each person as objectively as you can.
How do you tell staff they are being made redundant?
Consider the logistics of the redundancy consultation if staff are working remotely. For example, is adequate support available to protect their well-being?
Give redundancy advice in good time with all the affected employees (and if there is trade union recognition in place, consult the trade union representatives). Or if over 20 twenty staff are at risk, consult with their elected representatives/trade union representatives and listen to their ideas and suggestions. AN HR 1 form must be completed as well.
How much notice must be given for redundancy?
Consulting about proposed redundancies must start as early as possible before final decisions are made. The minimum redundancy consultation period depends on the number of staff involved. For example, if 20 to 99 employees are at risk, there is a 30-day consultation period before the first notice can be given. It is important to keep this timeframe in mind with the job retention scheme closing at the end of October.
Additional Support
If you feel you need further support or have further questions, please do contact the HR Dept South Essex who will support you with Redundancy during Coronavirus.
Contact Details
Linda Percival MCIPD, Office: 0345 053 3660, Mobile: 0773 853 9274, E-mail: linda@hrdept.co.uk
Emma Charlick BA(hons) HR, Office: 0345 053 3660, Mobile: 0779 131 5743, E-mail: emma.charlick@hrdept.co.uk
Address: The HR Dept. Unit 15 Mapledean Works, Maldon Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6LG
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Posted by Lambert Chapman
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this article are the personal views of the Author and other professionals may express different views. They may not be the views of Lambert Chapman LLP. The material in the article cannot and should not be considered as exhaustive. Professional advice should be sought in connection with any of the issues contained in the article and the implementation of any actions.