AQW 3801/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 18/03/2020
Answered On Date: 27/04/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy how changes to employment contracts as a response to the impact of COVID-19, will not prejudice employee rights under current contracts.

Answer:

I am acutely aware of the difficulties many employers and workers are facing during these difficult times and I am aware that many workers may be facing a period of temporary lay-off. Employers must agree any changes that may be needed to employment contracts with their employees as necessary. All employment contracts must at least meet the statutory minimum standards as set out in the framework of employment law.

I am hopeful that the introduction of the UK-wide job retention scheme introduced by the Chancellor on 20 March 2020 will allow employers to retain their employees on payroll, rather than being temporarily laid off or made redundant.

This scheme allows employers to claim a grant of up to 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 per month. The UK Government intends for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to run for at least 3 months from 1 March 2020, but will extend the Scheme if necessary.

The UK Government advises that employers accessing the scheme will need to designate affected employees as ‘furloughed workers’ and notify their employees of this change. Changing the status of employees remains subject to existing employment law, and depending on the employment contract, may be subject to negotiation.

I will, of course, continue to monitor developments, and UK-wide policy announcements, emanating from the Treasury and, along with my Executive colleagues, will seek to deliver all measures which assist all our people.