Some temporary changes have been made to support for employers and self-employed people because of Coronavirus

As an older worker you may have found that your work is affected by Coronavirus; your employer’s business may temporarily closed, your self-employment may have stopped or you may be concerned about safety at work.

Some temporary changes have been made to support for employers and self-employed people because of Coronavirus.

To help you understand these changes we've put together questions and answers that our helpline has been asked.

Age Scotland's Helpline
Employment Questions and Answers
Where can I get more information?

Age Scotland's Helpline

We're here for you

The Age Scotland helpline is a free, confidential phone service for older people, their carers and families in Scotland. Our team provide information, friendship and advice. Our helpline is free to call and available Monday - Friday 9-5pm. Call us today on 0800 12 44 222.

Employment Questions and Answers

What will happen if my employer doesn’t have any work for me for just now?

The government's Coronavirus job retention (furlough) scheme will continue to run until the end of October 2020, although employers can only continue to claim through the scheme for employees they have previously furloughed for at least 3 consecutive weeks between 1 March and 30 June. The application must have been made prior to 31 July.

Full information about the scheme is can be found by clicking here

The UK Government's Job Support Scheme will open on 1 November and run for at least 6 months. It aims to protect jobs that will see a reduced demand over winter.

If a business has to reduce the hours worked by an employee, they can claim up to a third of the hours not worked from the government to top up the employee's wages. The employer will also contribute a third themselves.

Information about the Job Support Scheme can be found by clicking here.

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Should I be working from home?

What should my employer do if I can’t work from home?

Which businesses have to be closed just now?

What if I am self employed and can’t work or have less income just now?

There is a government scheme which will allow some self-employed people to claim a taxable grant. The grant will be calculated based on your profits for tax years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Claims for the first round of grants have now closed. If you were eligible for the first grant (even if you didn't claim it), you will be able to claim a second and final grant. You must make a claim for the second grant on or before 19 October 2020.

The grant is worth 70% of your average monthly trading profits up to a maximum of £6,570 in total.

You can read the guidance by clicking here

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I am worried about going to work

If you work and you have been shielding, Scottish Government guidance says that you should carry on working from home if you can. If you are not able to work from home, you can return to a workplace from 1 August. You should follow physical distancing rules carefully at work. If you are not able to do so, your employer must have put other safety measures in place to protect you.

If the kind of job you do means it is difficult for you to return to work, some employers may agree you can take leave instead. Talk to your employer to agree the best option if you are not able to return to your workplace.

If you feel you cannot return to work safely, you should discuss your fitness for work with your GP or specialist care provider.

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How can I stay safe at work?

If you cannot work from home, your employer must take steps to keep you safe at work. They could let you travel when its quieter, support you to have less face to face contact with the public and make sure people stay 2 metres apart at work.

ACAS guidance to employers says they should

make sure everyone is social distancing if they come into the workplace
be especially careful and take extra steps for vulnerable groups, including those who are pregnant, aged 70 or over, or who have a long-term health condition
hold meetings as remote calls and avoid travel as much as possible
make sure managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on any relevant processes, for example sickness reporting and sick pay, and procedures in case someone in the workplace shows symptoms of the virus
make sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap, and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly
provide hand sanitiser and tissues for staff, and encourage them to use them
make sure everyone's contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date
keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace
keep up to date with the latest government advice

The full guidance can be found here

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What if I have a job where there can’t be social distancing?

If you have a job where you need to provide personal care in a care setting and cannot do your work without touching someone, there is from guidance from Health Protection Scotland about what you and your employer can do to keep you and the people you care for safe. Read information by Health Protection Scotland here

There is also NHS guidance for health and care staff. Read this information here

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Where can I get more information?

You can call Age Scotland's helpline on 0800 12 44 222. The below organisations also have useful information and advice on their websites.

Coronavirus and Employment

Some temporary changes have been made to support for employers and self-employed people because of Coronavirus

As an older worker you may have found that your work is affected by Coronavirus; your employer’s business may temporarily closed, your self-employment may have stopped or you may be concerned about safety at work.

Age Scotland's Helpline

We're here for you

Employment Questions and Answers

What will happen if my employer doesn’t have any work for me for just now?

Should I be working from home?

What should my employer do if I can’t work from home?

Which businesses have to be closed just now?

What if I am self employed and can’t work or have less income just now?

I am worried about going to work

How can I stay safe at work?

What if I have a job where there can’t be social distancing?

Where can I get more information?

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