The CIPD have published a new guide outlining how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme affects redundancy procedures. The CIPD highlight that the nature of the virus will mean that employers must consider adapting their usual redundancy procedures, e.g. (a) logistical issues which will need to be overcome if redundancy consultation processes take place remotely with staff who are furloughed; (b) organisations will have to think carefully about ensuring that redundancy pooling and selection criteria are fair. In particular, if an organisation is proposing to select staff for redundancy based purely on the fact that they are furloughed, there is a risk that this approach may give rise to an unfair or even discriminatory redundancy process and/or dismissals. The guide covers a number of specific redundancy-related issues including adapting redundancy consultation, the redundancy selection process and criteria, redundancy payment and furlough pay. The guide emphasises that employers should approach a redundancy process with compassion and treat everyone with dignity, respect and kindness.
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