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During these exceptional times, we want to support you, our Cooplers, who rely on us for reaching your regular earnings goals, as much as you support us all year round with your commitment and dedication. We are pleased to let you know that a large number of Cooplers will be able to join the Government’s Job Retention Scheme and we can therefore pay you a part of your regular Coople earnings for March, April, and potentially May.

You will qualify for this scheme, if:

  • You have received at least 1 payslip in February 2020 AND

  • You worked with Coople for a minimum of 10 shifts between 01/01/2020 and 31/03/2020 OR you earned more than £5,000 with Coople in the 2019/2020 tax year

These criteria are based on government rules and guidance, which we have to follow to ensure that we, as a business, qualify for the scheme.

How does the Job Retention Scheme work?

  • We will reach out directly to all Cooplers who qualify for the scheme, letting you know how much money you can receive, and what you need to do to participate. Please look out for these messages, which will be sent via Email by April 8th, as you need to opt in before you can receive any payments.

  • If you qualify, you will receive 80% of your average weekly earnings with Coople in the 2019/2020 tax year, including holiday pay. Normal tax and NI deductions will also apply and you will receive these payments on the same paying schedule as you normally receive your Coople salary.

  • While being on furlough, you will not be able to work shifts with Coople. However, there are no restrictions on you finding work with other employers. If you receive universal credit or other benefits, your payments might change because your earnings will vary.

We hope that you will find this financial contribution helpful during these testing weeks. The Coople team is doing everything we can to help you and your fellow Cooplers. If you have any questions, please have a look at our FAQ below. If you still can’t find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.

In the meantime, please stay safe and keep well!


FAQ

When will I know whether I qualify?

We will reach out to all Cooplers who qualify by April 8th via Email. If you would like to participate in the scheme please respond to the Email by 12th April 2020.

How do the qualification criteria work?
  • HMRC have decided that only temporary workers who received a payslip by their staffing agency in February 2020 can participate in that agency’s scheme.
  • The aim of the scheme is to support businesses who cannot maintain their current workforce, because their operations have been severely affected by coronavirus. If you worked for more than 10 shifts with us between January and March 2020, or you earned more than £5,000 with Coople in the 2019/2020 tax year, we consider you to be a member of our regular workforce, who relies on income from Coople for a significant portion of your income. If you only work with us occasionally, we recommend that you reach out to the employers (firms or staffing platforms) where you earn the majority of your income and enquire about their job retention schemes.
Why do different staffing agencies use different qualification criteria?
  • The Job Retention Scheme is new and has been designed by the government very quickly. As a result of that, it left room for interpretation on which staffing agency workers qualify.
  • We can assure you that our HR, Finance and Operations teams have worked hard to design criteria that support as many workers as possible and are still in line with the intention of the government’s scheme. We are certain that all of our competitors have done the same.
How much money can I get if I qualify?

If you qualify, you will receive 80% of your average weekly earnings with Coople in the 2019/2020 tax year, including holiday pay, and up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. Normal tax and NI deductions will also apply. You will receive these payments on the same paying schedule as you normally receive your Coople salary.

How do I know how much I earned on average in 2019/2020?

You can check out your payslip.

When will my furlough period start?

We can backdate the scheme up to March 1st. If you haven’t worked any shifts since March 1st, your furlough period will start on that day. If you have worked shifts after, it will start on the day following your last shift.

Do I have to agree to be furloughed?

Yes. If you are eligible for this scheme we will send you an email. Please read the email and respond by 12th April 2020 if you wish to be furloughed.

When will I be paid for March?

March payment will be paid on 17th April 2020.

Can I still work with other employers or agencies?

You are still permitted to work with other agencies whilst being furloughed by Coople

Can I be put on the Job Retention Scheme by more than one employer?

Yes. If you qualify for other agencies’ schemes, you can be furloughed by them as well. There is no maximum number of employers who can furlough you.

If there is work available at a later stage, do I get a choice about whether to go back to work or remain furloughed?

Once you are furloughed, you will not be permitted to work via Coople for a minimum of 3 weeks. After the initial 3 week period, if there is work available, Coople will reactivate your profile and you will be able to book shifts as usual.

What are my options if I don’t qualify for Coople’s Job Retention Scheme?
  • If you work more regularly or earn more money with another employer or staffing agency, we recommend that you get in touch with them and enquire about their Coronavirus Job Retention Schemes.
  • If you do not qualify for any of them, you might be eligible for Universal Credit or Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). You can find more information about your options here.