Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to employees that cannot work as a result of grandparents being unable to provide their usual childcare during the covid-19 lockdown.

Furloughing is a decision for employers, requiring the consent of the employee. If employees are unable to work (including from home), due to caring responsibilities arising from coronavirus, then they should speak to their employer about whether they plan to place staff on furlough.

From the week commencing 1 June, the Government is asking nurseries and other early year providers, including childminders, to begin welcoming back all children, and asking primary schools and alternative provision to welcome back children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6.

Temporary measures to support parents with childcare costs in response to COVID-19 have been put in place, to restore entitlement to parents who would normally be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare and/or 30 hours free childcare, but whose circumstances have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.