Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate he has made of the number of businesses who were aware that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme could also be used to cover self-isolation of employees.
No such estimate has been made.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is not to be used simply because of short-term absences from work due to sickness or self-isolation.
Where an employee is on sick leave or self-isolating as a result of coronavirus, the rules in relation to Statutory Sick Pay apply.
Conversely, an employee is eligible for CJRS if they are unable to work because they are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable or are in the equivalent highest-risk group for severe illness from coronavirus, and following the public health guidance.
These rules have been in place and clearly reflected in all versions of the guidance, since March 2020.