Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the guidance issued to private nurseries on furloughing employees during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Scottish Government has been closely involved in the UK response to COVID-19. Treasury ministers and officials are in close contact with their Scottish counterparts regarding the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

Although the CJRS is UK-wide, the Department for Education’s guidance relating to the CJRS applies to England only. Department for Education officials have discussed COVID-19 guidance with their Scottish counterparts and continue to work with them on matters relating to COVID-19.