We are still unsure about how to deal with the end of furlough – which is we believe end of April – we have six staff who have been furloughed and to be honest we have managed quite well on a smaller number. We sell plastic goods to businesses. When should we deal with the whole matter of people and who we keep and do not? What are the things we should be considering?

Topic: End of Furlough

Answer: This is a crucial period for many businesses and above all else you need to be objective as a leader of the business. As you mention you have done OK with the resource that you have retained in the business and not put on furlough so our suggestions would be:

1. Take a look at what you think the business will look, sound and feel like as we return fully to work – run the numbers – what do they look like? Order book? Pipeline? Supply?
2. Determine what work is required for your business to function well and split this into sensible job by job responsibilities
3. Allocate the appropriate employee to the role by objectively assessing their skills, abilities, experience and capability – remember you need to retain good people if at all possible.
4. If at this stage you have reduced your headcount and you feel confident that the new roles make sense in terms of workload etc and that you can offer the right level of service to customers as a result, you have a plan to which you need to work

Do ensure that all of the actions you take if losing people are in accordance with good employment practice and that all rules and regulations are followed – treat even those who you are forced to lose fairly and appropriately and your company reputation is preserved.