Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will issue guidelines to encourage employers in non-essential sectors to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to furlough those employees who have caring responsibilities for children who are at home as a result of school closures during the covid-19 outbreak.

Employees who are unable to work, including from home, or who are working reduced hours because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19), can be furloughed. This includes employees caring for children who are at home as a result of school and childcare facilities closing.

It is for the employer to decide whether to offer to furlough an employee.

Information on the conditions under which an employee can be put on furlough has been communicated extensively through GOV.UK guidance updates, stakeholder emails, digital media advertising, and other communications products.