This update has been provided to us by the DWP
Good mental health is good for business
Able Futures provides employers with education support and resources to help them demonstrate their commitment to supporting people with mental health conditions in the workplace. There is no charge to use this service.
https://able-futures.co.uk/mental-health-support-for-employers/
Able Futures is a nationwide specialist partnership set up to provide the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
Signposting Tool - How to Get Help
A new ‘Find Help’ toolkit (link is external) has been developed to support citizens if they, or someone else are struggling because of Coronavirus. It covers a range of circumstances including feeling unsafe, going in to work, paying bills or being unemployed, getting food, having somewhere to live and mental health and wellbeing. Citizens answer a series of statements via a simple check box system and a diagnostic is produced based on their needs with suggested sources of help and support. Users will not get direct support from the Government or organisations through this service, but they will be signposted to the relevant services who can help. The tool is currently available on GOV.UK and is regularly reviewed and updated to include additional advice and support on an ongoing basis or as it becomes available.
Job Retention Scheme
Scheme extended
The scheme will remain open until the end of October with workers continuing to receive 80% of their current salary. From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff. Read more (link is external).
Employer Guidance
HMRC have issued an employer bulletin (link is external) to share the latest information about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, including updates to guidance, the online service and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to a wrong or delayed payment
Employee Guidance
Guidance is also available for employees (link is external) to check if their employer can use the Job Retention Scheme. A new page (link is external) has also been created on the Employment and benefits support site (link is external) to support citizens with information about furloughing and how it interacts with benefits
Working Safely During Coronavirus
The government, in consultation with industry, has produced guidance (link is external) to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. There are eight guides covering a range of different types of work.
Who Has Access to Schools
The list of critical workers (link is external) (key workers) who can send their children to school or other educational settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has been updated.
Shortage Occupation List
The Migration Advisory Committee want to hear organisations' views on the roles that are being filled by migrant workers, the salaries they are paid and implications of potential changes. Consultation closes on 24 June (link is external).
EU Settlement Scheme
More than 3.5 million applications have been made to the EU Settlement Scheme (link is external). Throughout the coronavirus pandemic a wide range of support has remained available for those who need help applying or have questions about the scheme. This includes a helpline which reopened earlier this month.
Support for Charities - Scotland
Properties occupied by charities can now apply for the £10,000 Small Business Grant Scheme (link is external) to help with pressures caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Funding for Armed Forces Charities
Serving personnel, veterans and their families will benefit from an additional £6-million of funding (link is external) during the coronavirus outbreak. It will be distributed by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, to charities across the UK that work in 9 key areas affected by the impact of the coronavirus.
Published on Monday 18th May 2020