New StoreSafe and SiteSafe guidance issued by the NAJ on same day as ‘flexible’ furlough scheme launched
01 Jul 2020
Today (1st July) the National Association of Jewellers has issued updated guidance to retailers (version 4), and manufacturers and wholesalers (version 2) ahead of social distancing rules changing to include one metre ‘plus’ on Saturday 4th July.
The updated guidance for Retailers and for Manufacturers and Wholesalers has been drawn up in order to continue to support the jewellery trade to operate safely through the ‘people first’ approach.
Guidance for Manufacturers and/or Wholesalers (V2)
Guidance for Jewellery Retailers (V4)
On the guidance, Gary Wroe NAJ Chair said,
“The guidance so far has been well received by the industry, with close to 3000 attempts at the Be Covid-19 safe courses to date. The guidance published today shows as an industry we’re all playing our part to tackle the spread of the virus, but ultimately, we all need to continue to be sensible, staying informed and managing risks appropriately”.
As well as incorporating ‘one metre plus’ social distancing, the guidance also includes changes to shielding workers from the 1st August, close contact services such as ear piercing not yet permitted and vitally, guidance for employers and employees on working from home, with specific reference to mental health.
“A number of NAJ members will have employees still on furlough or working from home, and the guidance we’ve incorporated into these versions (via AGCAS) aims to help the employer and employee in their situation.”
‘Flexible’ furlough scheme launched
Today, was also the official start of the flexible furlough scheme ‘CJRS V2’, in which employers can bring furloughed employees back to work for any amount of time or shift pattern, and still be able to claim a grant for the hours not worked.
Each month (from 1st August) the level of grant funding will reduce, but employers must pay furloughed employees 80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500 per month for the time they are being furloughed, and wage caps will also be proportionate to the hours an employee is furloughed. For example, an employee is entitled to 60% of the £2,500 cap if they are placed on furlough for 60% of their usual hours.
More information on the flexible furlough scheme
Calculate how much you can claim through the ‘flexible’ furlough scheme
Ready for the ‘one metre plus’ changes on Saturday (Independents’ Day) the Association will now update it’s Be COVID-19 safe courses to take account of the updated StoreSafe and SiteSafe guidance. The courses are free for NAJ members (unlimited), but there is a cost for non-members depending on the number of enrolments required.
Enrol onto the Be COVID-19 Safe training course
Are you a Jewellery Retailer?
Why not take the StoreSafe pledge and show your employees and customers what measures you've put in place by using the StoreSafe poster and collateral.
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Source: The NAJ