The information below is taken from the University’s Furlough FAQ page and the Research Services Impact of Covid-19 FAQs. It is worth re-checking these FAQs just in case the information has been updated.
Which staff are likely to be eligible [for furlough]?
Current guidance indicated (sic) the scheme applies to staff who are not deemed to be fully publicly funded, so it is unlikely that staff on UKRI funded research grants, for example, will be eligible. If you are in a role that is not publicly funded and cannot be undertaken from home, for example, staff who undertake cleaning or work in maintenance and cannot be redeployed into other work that can be done from home, we are likely to consider you to be eligible.
The scheme also requires that to be furloughed you must have been on the employer’s PAYE payroll on 28th February 2020, including full-time and part-time employees
Under the rules of the scheme the Government has confirmed that for both full time and part-time employees, the employee’s actual salary before tax, as at 28th February 2020, is used to calculate the 80% payment that will be made to the employer to assist in covering wages. (See question below for casual contract staff).
I am a researcher – will I be eligible for the job retention scheme?
Any member of staff who receives public funding from research grants such as UKRI won’t be eligible for the scheme, but if the funding source is industry related it is possible they may be eligible, however we will need to assess such cases. We will continue to review the guidance on this as more becomes known. This also applies to research staff funded by charities where we are awaiting further guidance on eligibility.
Are staff on fixed term contracts due to end in the coming weeks eligible for the job retention scheme?
Unless the work is ending prematurely because of the direct impact of Covid-19 then it (sic) would not be eligible for the scheme and the normal ending of a fixed term contract processes apply.
I have fieldwork including interviews and observations currently underway or about to start what should I do?
It is likely that any fieldwork will not be possible for a specific period of time, as yet unknown, and should be rescheduled for later in the year, if possible. If your fieldwork is dependent on the time of year, then you may need to consider alternative arrangements and discuss this directly with your Funder. Please ensure you keep Research Services updated when you liaise directly with funders.
If I get an extension my project will incur additional costs. Who will cover these costs?
This will vary dependent on the funder and the nature of cost. The university is actively engaging with funders to seek clarity on this.
My confirmed activities or travel plans have had to be cancelled and my project has lost money, will the project be reimbursed?
We anticipate that funders will adopt a pragmatic approach on this, however it is likely to be variable, as such please refer to the individual funder’s guidance. Where travel plans have been cancelled upon government advice, the costs should be recovered from the travel supplier where possible, or university insurance. Check with the university Travel Team for advice.