Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the Government's guidance is for employers in the event that an employee is unable to go into work as a result of their dependants having been instructed by a school to self-isolate during the covid-19 outbreak.

In the first instance, people who are unable to go into work because they have childcare responsibilities resulting from coronavirus should discuss their situation with their employer. It may be that they can come to an agreement which works well for both parties.

Additionally, employees have?the right to take time off work to help someone who depends on them (a 'dependant') in an unexpected event. The courts have been clear that a failure in childcare provision can constitute an unexpected event – even if it is known about in advance. Time off for dependants can be taken for a reasonable period of time depending on the particular circumstances.

All employees have the legal right to request flexible working, provided they have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks. Employers can only reject a request where they have sound business reasons for doing so. Having flexible start and finish times, or working from home can help parents to balance work and childcare needs.