25 September 2020 | 2 minutes read

Over the last week there has been a lot of changes to the COVID-19 government guidelines. Our welfare benefits team have been closely monitoring all the changes and have put together some advice for tenants about the changes to the furlough scheme.

Help and support

Our welfare benefits team continue to provide financial advice to our tenants who are in need. If you are struggling, please get in touch – we’re here to help.

Our welfare advice line is available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 9am-1pm. Call 0330 303 2222 and select option 3 to speak to a friendly advisor.

Please click here for more information

Changes to the furlough scheme

The Job Support Scheme will replace the current furlough system from 1st November. The below video from Martin Lewis explains the new scheme in detail:

Here is a quick summary of the new scheme:

  • It will start on the 1st November and will run for six months
  • To be eligible you must be on your employer’s payroll on or before 23rd September
  • An employee must work for at least a third of their normal hours. You will paid IN FULL for this by your employer at that time
  • For the hours you can’t work, the cost will be split three ways, and the stat’s contribution will be capped to just under £700/mth
  • Your employer will till pay national insurance and pension contributions
  • The scheme is open to many (but not all) employees if their employer decides to take part
  • Those on zero hours contracts will be eligible
  • You can go on and off the scheme
  • If you previously haven’t been furloughed – your employer can now place you on this new scheme

If any of our tenants are confused about the scheme at all please give our welfare benefits team a call on their advice line days above.

We want to reassure you that you will not lose your home because of COVID-19. If you are at all concerned about paying your rent whilst self-isolating, we are encouraging you to please call us as quickly as possible on 0330 303 2222, and we will work to support you with some flexibility on your payments.

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