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New Guidance from Thompsons Solicitors on Employee Rights

These two new documents may be of use to employed members looking to know more about going on furlough under the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), and for employed members who are currently outside of the UK.

Published: 06 April 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Musicians transporting music instruments while travelling
The documents deal with FAQs for employed members facing furlough or stranded abroad. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The MU regularly works with Thompsons Solicitors, a firm who specialise in Trade Union law. Although we have some information on CJRS on our website already – those with specific questions may find Thompsons’ document useful.

FAQs on the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)

The document on CJRS answers questions as clearly as the firm can without knowing the specifics of your individual case. Those with more particularly questions about their employment contracts and rights should contact their Regional Office.

The FAQs include:

  • How will the coronavirus (COVID-19) job retention scheme work in practice?
  • What about workers who have already agreed with an employer to reduce hours or pay in response to the crisis?
  • Does the coronavirus (COVID-19) job retention scheme apply to those who are off sick?
  • What if paying 80 per cent puts workers below the National Minimum Wage?
  • What is the position if I have already been laid-off without pay?
  • Is there a minimum period an employee can be furloughed for?
  • I am on maternity leave, can I still be furloughed?
  • How will maternity pay be calculated for those on furlough leave?

You can read the FAQs and download the documents as a PDF from the Thompsons Solicitors website.

Employment rights for those stranded abroad because of the outbreak of coronavirus

The second document talks through employee rights for those who have been unable to return home from holidays, or who are quarantined either abroad or at home. You can also read or download this advice as PDF from Thompsons Solicitors website.

No musician left behind

Although the Government’s moves to protect workers during the coronavirus outbreak have been good news for many of our members – it is vital that no musicians are left to fall through the cracks.

We are concerned about the self-employed musicians who are not covered by these new measures, and also how the Government will cover the gap until support is made available through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme June.

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