*UPDATED – 24th September – Job Retention Scheme replaced with Job Support Scheme. **[View full details here.**](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/job-support-scheme)

JRS extends support through October, will allow for part-time work

The Job Retention Scheme has been extended until the end of October 2020. From August furloughed employees will be allowed to return to work part-time, and will be guaranteed the same rate of pay – 80% of their wages up to £2,500 – through both government support and employer contributions. More details will be released by the end of May.

BEIS publishes guidelines for safe working environments

The driving principle is that everyone who can work from home should continue to do so. All information for offices and contact centres can be found here and for all other workplaces can be found here.

The advice for businesses is focused on 5 key points, which are:

1. Those who can work from home should continue to do so
2. Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unions
3. Maintain 2 metres social distancing where possible
4. Where people cannot be 2 metres apart, manage transmission risk
5. Reinforcing cleaning processes

APA publishes guidelines for film shoots

The Advertising Producers Association have issued guidelines for production companies to take reasonable and practical steps to safeguard the health and safety of everyone attending a film shoot in relation to COVID-19 and to meet their obligations under the Health and Safety Act, and law, and Government regulations on COVID-19. These can be found here.

Govt. announces phased reopening of the economy

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday, the government published this document on the phased reopening of the economy.

The current time-frame is as follows:

13 May – Opening of outdoor public spaces, exercise allowed more than once per day

1 June – Phased return of primary school students, opening non-essential retail, return of closed-door sporting events, reopening of more local public transport

4 July – Opening of leisure facilities (including cinemas), hospitality and restaurants, personal care and public places

These dates are only guidelines, and represent the earliest date considered by Government. Should the 5 tests set out not be met, or should the R-number increase over the next several weeks, it is possible that these dates (particularly the latter two) will be pushed back.