THE FURLOUGHSCHEME

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The Coronavirus Job RetentionScheme is a temporary scheme opento all UK employers for at least threemonths starting from 1 March 2020. Itis designed to support employerswhose business has been severelyaffected by coronavirus (COVID-19). Employers can claim for 80% offurloughed employees’ (employees ona leave of absence) usual monthlywage costs, up to £2,500 a month, plusthe associated Employer NationalInsurance contributions and minimumautomatic enrolment employerpension contributions on that wage. Employers can use this schemeanytime during this period.Thescheme is open to all UK employersthat had created and starteda PAYE payroll scheme on 28 February2020. It's up to the employer to choosewhich employees are furloughed.

THE FURLOUGH SCHEME

While furloughed employees stilltechnically retain their jobs, theyaren't allowed to do any work for theemployer that has furloughed them. The basic principle behind it is that it isa temporary arrangement. Workersshould one day be able to return totheir work - although there is noguarantee that an employer has tokeep a furloughed employee on afterthe arrangement ends. If you're looking for more informationabout the scheme, get in touch withsomeone from your organisation (likeHR) or visit gov.uk. It's understandable to be stressed atthis time - whether you've beenfurloughed, a member of your familyhas, or something similar. It's not aneasy situation that we've all foundourselves in, but remember that it willpass with time.

Try not to panic - No problem isunsolvable and there are plenty oforganisations and people who canoffer you support.Reach out - If you have debts andare worried, reach out to thecompany you have debt with -mortgage providers, credit cardcompanies, banks, utilitycompanies, etc. Most already likelyhave a contingency plan in place tosupport you - allowing you eitherpayment and interest breaks ordeferred payments. The FCA hasalso announced that they areasking banks to freeze payments onloans and credit cards for up tothree months for those facingdifficulties.Stay up to date with the news -The government have announcedlots of measures that are there tosupport employees, the self-employed, and wider society. It'sworth staying up to date andkeeping your eyes peeled for newannouncements.

Many people are understandablyworried about their finances. In fact, a new survey by YouGov hasfound that 55% of people are nowworried about their family’s finances,and 31% of people are worried aboutmissing bill payments in the next sixmonths. What to do:

FINANCIAL WORRIES

Create a budget - Set aside sometime to come up with a new,realistic budget of incomes andoutgoings. It’s better to spendsome time in organising it and toget it right than to rush it.Check your bank - Choose aregular time each week (or moreregularly) to look at your moneyand expenditure to check thatyou’re on track.Look for ways to cut costs - Forexample use comparison sites tofind better deals on your bills. Manypeople can save hundreds ofpounds by doing this.Do not try to ignore the situation- Dealing with the problem early onis the best approach and can helpyou to reduce your worry. Justremember that the situation willpass and you can regain controlagain over your finances.

Know that it’s okay to find thesituation tough - But rememberthat it will pass with time. It can beworry-inducing and upsetting - butit will pass. Being mentally healthydoesn't mean being happy 24/7; itmeans acknowledging our situationand emotions, but knowing that wecan get through life's challenges.Avoid overexposure to the news- Stay informed but limit timechecking the news if it feelsoverwhelming. Similarly, don'tkeep re-reading the same advice ifit's causing you anxiety.Talk to others - Talk to othersabout concerns and feelings. Speakwith others regularly through videocalls, phone calls, and messages.It's reassuring and can help us tocalm own, but it also helps us toknow that feeling uncertain is okay.Look after yourself - Try tomaintain a healthy and balanceddiet, incorporate some exerciseacross the day, and get enoughsleep. Get outside, like into yourown garden, when possible. Also,check out these gym-freeworkouts from the NHS.

REDUCING CORONAVIRUS-RELATED WORRY

Keep your house clean - There's ahigh chance that you'll be spendinga lot of time in your own homenow. Try to keep it as clean and tidyas possible, as this is good forwellbeing. Cleaning can also helpyou to be active, which is good forour mental health. Try to regularlyspend time in different rooms too.Find new hobbies and activities -There are many hobbies and thingsthat we can do while we're sociallydistancing. You may find thatyou've got some extra time now.Perhaps find online activities thatyou can do with others too, playboard games, get into learning anew language, learning aninstrument, or getgardening/crafting.Practice gratitude - Write downthe things that you are grateful for,and be thankful for people who areworking to ensure that we are safeand healthy. The NHS has beenrecruiting for volunteers to supportit during these times, and helpingothers in this way can be good formental health. Volunteers must be18 or over, and fit and well with nosymptoms. If you are interested inthis, click here for moreinformation.

Samaritans - www.samaritans.org/ - If you would like to talk to someone forsupport, you can call them on 116 123, 24/7.Anxiety UK - www.anxietyuk.org.uk/ - A national charity formed in 1970, bysomeone living with agoraphobia, for those affected by anxiety, stress andanxiety based depression - Helpline: 0344 477 5744, text service: 07537 416 905Shout - Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisisanytime, anywhere. If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are struggling withyour mental health, and need support, you can text Shout to 85258. This willconnect you with a trained volunteer.The Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk/ - The Hub of Hope is a nationalmental health database which brings together organisations who offer mentalhealth advice and support, based on location.Mind - www.mind.org.uk/ - Infoline: 0300 123 3393

Remember that there is still support out there, and you should seek it if you needit. For example, if you are having psychotherapy or counselling, see if you're ableto carry on your sessions via a video call. Remember that you can call theSamaritans at any time on 116 123 for support. These organisations provide information and support regarding mental health:

DISCLAIMER The information provided is for information purposes only and is not a substitutefor licensed medical or professional care. Mente does not provide medical advice,professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any individual.If you believe you have a medical emergency, you should immediately dial 999. COPYRIGHT NOTICE Copyright © Mente 2020. All Rights Reserved.This published material is copyright of Mente and may not be redistributed,duplicated, copied, modified or adapted in any way, without our permission.

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