New government furlough rules will help firms manage irregular workloads as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 crisis, said the RHA.

The chancellor has announced that workers furloughed on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will be able to return to work part-time from the beginning of August. Employers will be asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.

Rishi Sunak said the CJRS will remain open until the end of October with workers continuing to receive 80 percent of their current salaries.

RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said the move means firms will be better prepared to service inconsistent and unpredictable workloads as the economy begins its recovery. However, hauliers will remain cautious until the Government releases further detail later this month.

“We’ve been calling for improved measures which will offer employers greater flexibility to get their furloughed staff safely back to work as and when volumes dictate,” he said.

“This announcement is a welcome step but we need to see the finer detail and what it all means for businesses gearing up for recovery.”

The RHA has urged Mr Sunak for a number of industry support measures including debt support, a fuel duty rebate, and a business rates holiday.

Road Haulage Association

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