Formal representation made to government by recruitment sector bodies and interests led to the government over the weekend revamping previously issued guidance around furlough pay calculation. The updated guidance confirms that wages, overtime, fees and compulsory commission payments are included in the new calculation.

“Staff at People Group worked tirelessly through the weekend to incorporate these changes, recalculating every relevant umbrella worker’s additional entitlement and processing payments,” a company statement said. “This trojan effort resulted in amended balances being paid into thousands of contractor bank accounts by 6am Monday [6 April].”

Katy Rees, Smile Education managing director and education chairperson APSCo, said: “The team have worked around the clock to ensure our staff are not financially disadvantaged by the pandemic. Many of our supply staff have expressed heartfelt thanks that they have not been left in financial hardship.”

People Group CEO Terry Hillier said: “Saturday’s news is the right outcome, and we thank the government for their revised stance… I believe it’s important to do everything we can to deliver money to people who may have gone unpaid for a month; this has been a vital lifeline for thousands.”

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