Nando's - what does this mean for employees?

Nando’s is the latest well-known high-street group to be affected by what is being referred to as the “pingdemic” this summer. 

Disruption within the UK supply chain has led to a shortage of Nando’s famous Peri Peri Chicken, forcing the restaurant group to temporarily close around 50 restaurants across the UK.

Currently, employers (and staff) affected by Covid and workplace closures in this way will likely be able to utilise the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (‘the CJRS’) or furlough. At present, eligible employees can receive 80% of their usual pay for hours not worked (up to £2,500) with the government contributing 60% and employers the balancing 20% in addition to national insurance and pension contributions.

Whilst furlough is no doubt a welcome relief for Nando’s (and those facing similar challenges), the scheme is expected to end on 30 September 2021. This means that future distribution problems or shortage of staff for any reason may leave many employers needing to consider redundancy or, if there is a contractual right to do so, lay off and short time working.

Nandos are likely to have been helped by the relaxing of self-isolation restrictions from 16 August 2021 as those who have been double vaccinated are no longer required to self-isolate if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for covid. It is hoped that the latest relaxation of restrictions will help to ease the staff shortage pressures over the coming weeks.

 If you are facing redundancy, you may not be sure about the procedure that will be followed, the letters you will receive and what you need to do.

We have designed a free redundancy kit, available for download via a password-protected portal. Click here for more information Employee Redundancy Kit - Birkett Long Solicitors

If you would like advice about redundancy or the end of the CJRS, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01206 217301 or [email protected]