Furloughing employees. Anyone done it yet?

[DinosApple]

Hi,
The small business DH works for wants to put some of its employees on the furlough scheme.

The boss has looked, but can't see how to implement this and thinks a government portal isn't up and running yet. Is this the case? Or has anyone successfully set this up for their employees?
Thank you.

I’ve looked. Didn’t seem to be up and running as of yesterday.
If anyone sees it is open, let us know please!

Yes I had to send out letters yesterday furloughing most of our staff.

I received an email from GOV.UK last night

www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme?utm_source=7835fc20-12dd-44de-ba10-c24b96232b47&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

The portal isn’t up and running yet but it does make things a little clearer I think.

@SassenachWitch thank you. I'll forward that to DH.

I’ve furloughed our Nanny. Scheme not open till end of April. So we will pay her like normal and then will apply to recover 80 per cent. Furlough has to be minimum of 3 weeks and at moment maximum of 3 months.

@StrawberryBlondeStar This thread here seems to think Nannies are exempt from the furlough payment, so maybe check she is definitely eligible?

Furloughing nanny www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/3862874-Furloughing-nanny

Martin Lewis said yesterday that nanny employers can use the 80% scheme though?

@Tessaraqt thanks for that. The issue has been if it’s going to cover employees or businesses. Most recent update is it will cover all employers with Paye scheme. That was on Association of Professional Nannies website.

Irrespective I wouldn’t expect my Nanny to come in. I’m a key worker, but my husband isn’t. She isn’t therefore essential.

I’ve told her as long as my husband and I are still being paid - so will she.

I've been furloughed. The scheme is not up and running yet so employers will have to pay their staff as normal and then claim the money back when the grant comes through.

You need to advise employees they have been furloughed and get their consent if you are only going to pay 80%.