Managing your workforce through the COVID-19 pandemic

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Free employment law consultation from Thursfields Solicitors

Helena Morrisey, Head of Employment Law, at Thursfields Solicitors looks at the huge impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on business, both financially and from a “human” perspective.

While some businesses have thrived, many have already fallen victim to the virus and have closed down.

In order to survive, a huge number of companies have taken advantage of the Government’s Job Retention Scheme and placed employees on furlough for the past few months. However, despite the fact that this scheme has now been extended to the end of April 2021, it simply cannot go on indefinitely. Companies who are now over-resourced in terms of headcount will therefore need to think about redundancies at some point in the new year.

Before doing so, companies should do two things…

Firstly, they should seek advice and check that their proposed dismissal strategy is lawful. While these are far from normal times, normal rules apply when it comes to employment law. Not being aware of what constitutes a fair redundancy process, or not realising that your selection process is discriminatory is simply no defence to an Employment Tribunal claim.

Secondly, before pressing the “redundancy” button, employers should consider all possible alternatives. Failing to do so can render a perfectly reasonable and fair dismissal instantly unfair.

Options include offering career breaks, sabbaticals, or job shares. Those businesses with the contractual right to do so, could re-consider ‘normal’ short-time working or lay–off. Zero-hour or annualised hours contracts may also be worth considering.

Employees may also be willing to voluntarily agree to reduced pay, possibly in return for some other incentive, such as more flexibility over their working patterns. Re-training and redeployment should also be considered.

What is clear is that flexibility will be at the heart of any successful job-saving strategy, both on the part of the employer and the employee. Flexibility will also be key to “future-proofing” businesses going forward in these uncertain times.

With this in mind, Thursfields is proud to offer a new service for businesses – “Flex-Ability”.

This service examines your current workforce arrangements with a view to suggesting simple steps that you can take to increase the flexibility of your business and boost your ability to respond to fluctuating business need in an agile and resilient manner.

To take advantage of this service, you simply need to complete a short on-line questionnaire.

You will then be entitled to the benefit of a FREE telephone consultation with one of our specialist employment lawyers who will explore with you ways that you can ‘flex’ your workforce more effectively going forward.

To complete the “Flex-Ability” questionnaire please visit
https://www.thursfields.co.uk/flex-ability-questionnaire/

Our approach

Thursfields have built our reputation by providing timely and practical advice to our clients. We understand that it can often be difficult to find the time to deal with personal matters. With this in mind, we will tailor our approach to suit you and take your instructions in whatever way best suits you – by 'phone, video conference or in person at our Birmingham, Solihull, Worcester, Kidderminster or Halesowen offices. We have an excellent team of specialist personal, family and corporate solicitors to look after you, your family and your business.

More information

If you would like more information please contact Helena Morrissey, Head of Employment Law, at Thursfields on 0345 2073 728 or email [email protected]

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