Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Universities UK about the number of universities who have furloughed academic personnel.

As both my right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19.

Since my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced this government’s unprecedented package of support to help keep staff employed and support businesses, the department has developed guidance for higher education providers so that they are aware of the support that is available to them and may confidently apply for it.

That guidance is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care.

In developing this guidance, the department worked with trade unions as well as Universities UK (UUK) and the Universities & Colleges Employers Association (UCEA). The department is working with HMRC and HM Treasury to develop appropriate monitoring arrangements for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).