Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether employers can furlough staff who can't work because of childcare responsibilities during the covid-19 outbreak until the (a) end of July 2020 and (b) closure of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
The eligibility criteria for the CJRS have not changed.
Employees who are unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) can be furloughed. For example, employees that need to look after children can be furloughed.
Employers should discuss with their staff and make any changes to the employment contract by agreement. Guidance for employers and employees can be found on GOV.UK.