Navigating Information Overload

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 17:12:16 GMT

We are nearly two weeks into government enforced social distancing. For many of you, this will have been forced through business closure rather than from a self-isolation perspective, but how are you all?

There have been several questions around financial support available and there is now a vast source of information at your fingertips. Unfortunately, the answers are not always positive.

Hot off the press is this CIPD table which helps outline the key similarities or differences between the Job Retention Scheme for Employees and the Income Support Scheme for the self Employed.

Difference or Similarity Job Retention Scheme for Employees Income Support Scheme for the self Employed

Difference Employer applies to HMRC HMRC contacts self-employed directly

Difference Furloughed employee must not work Self-employed person can continue to run business

Difference Payments from end of April Payments from June

Difference Applies to employers large and small Applies only to those with profits who operate PAYE schemes under £50,000

Difference Applies to full and part time employees Does not apply to part time self- employed if under half of income is from self-employment

Difference Those employed after 28 February are Those who became self-employed excluded after 6 April 2019 are excluded

Similarity Grant is 80% of wages Grant is 80% of average monthly profits over the last three years

Similarity £2,500 per month cap £2,500 per month cap

Similarity Payments taxable Payments taxable

Similarity Must be on temporary leave (furlough) Must have lost income due to because of coronavirus coronavirus

Similarity Scheme will last for three months Scheme will last for three months

Similarity Scheme may be extended Scheme may be extended

A huge number of workers can access the Job Retention Scheme via their employers, and most freelancers will be able to get a level of income support. A few of us will inevitably fall through the gaps but Universal Credit has made financial support easier and quicker to access. I urge you to take this up. Pride is not in question here, the ability to pay your bills and put food on the table is paramount.

As human beings, we are wired to connect with others. Social Distancing or isolation does little for our mental state and in fact, we can feel threatened by the very fact that we are alone. Social contact is important - right? It is one of the reasons we love what we do. Do not underestimate the impact that this distancing has on you.

I have spent the last few week,s answering questions in a professional capacity, but also trying to home school the children, stay sane and keep the household together. The one key learning for me has been to pace myself. Space jobs out… do a bit today and a bit tomorrow… talk to someone every day.

That is easier said than done as we are usually rushing to fit things in. Over the weekend, we were inundated with FaceTime calls, WhatsApp calls, zoom meetings (Family ones) and friends who are looking to play online games. It got fairly stressful, and we made the decision to try to spread it out. This is going on for a long while yet and we might peak too early!

As a society, we are trying to fill our time. Connection is important, but so is reflection. Take time to breathe, watch that movie and dance in the wind!! Whatever takes your fancy, but ‘comparisonitus’ (my word) will not help your mental health. Don’t worry what the other parents are up to with their children. Try to stay off Facebook – it’s not all true. Enjoy the peace for what it is. If you can get some sunshine – feel the warmth (or wind) on your face do so.

That’s it from me but do ask any HR questions you have. I am happy to help.

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