Helpful information for those affected at work by the coronavirus outbreak, as well as support on topics such as maternity leave, work-related stress and redundancy.
Get answers to your questions on staying at home, going to work, sick pay and other changes to your working life during the coronavirus outbreak.
Whether you've been raising children, caring for a relative or just taking some time out, it's natural to feel anxious about going back to work. The National Careers Service gives confidential and impartial advice and could help you get back into the swing of things.
Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Studies show that stress accounts for 40% of cases of workplace sickness in the UK. Too much pressure and worries about employability are both common causes.
The NHS have some great tips for managing stress.
An employment contract establishes the rights, responsibilities and duties of an employer and an employee. You should check any employment contract terms carefully before agreeing to them and if in doubt, seek professional help.
Get more information from the Money Advice Service.
Chances are you’ll already know what your gross salary is, the total amount you’re paid for the work you do each year. Your take home pay, otherwise known as net pay, is the amount you receive each month after any deductions which have to be made. Deductions will likely include:
Income tax
National insurance contributions
Pension contributions
Student loan payments
Salary sacrifice schemes
Check out our guide to take home pay for more information.
If you've just been made redundant, it's important to stay on top of your finances. We' ve pulled together a list of four things things to think about if you find yourself in what can be a very daunting situation.
Your rights in redundancy
By law, if your employer puts you forward for redundancy they have to make you aware beforehand and give you a period of notice (or pay in lieu of notice).
Your employer must use a fair way of selecting job roles to make redundant and be able to tell you what that is.
You may have the right to paid time off work for training or to look for a new job.
Redundancy Pay
If you’ve worked for your employer for at least two years, you’re entitled to statutory redundancy pay. This is the legal minimum that your employer will need to pay, unless it has gone out of business. If that’s the case, you can apply to the National Insurance Fund for a direct payment. How much you’ll get depends on your age, how long you’ve worked for your employer and how much you earn.
The good news is the first £30,000 is non-taxable.
Managing your debts
If you’ve been made redundant, speak to lenders about reducing payment on any debts, especially your mortgage lender because you risk losing your home if you don’t keep up your repayments.
Don’t stop paying without speaking to your providers first. Many lenders are sympathetic and will talk to you about how you can cope while you get back on your feet and what your options are.
Reducing your outgoings
Take a look at your expenses. Are there any non-essential items you can cut back on? If you’re still working, this could help you build up a savings buffer.
Make sure to review your monthly bills and shop around to see if you can save money by switching providers.
