HM Revenue & Customs has updated its furlough guidance to confirm that the scheme can be used where employees are unable to work because they are caring for children while schools are closed.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged billions of funding in today's Spending Review to help the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic back into work.
Employees are likely to be encouraged to remain working from home until at least Easter 2021, when it is hoped that a combination of a tighter "tier" system, further testing and the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccinations will have "driven down" the coronavirus infection rate.
The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of March, with the Government continuing to cover 80% of employees' wages at firms affected by coronavirus restrictions, the chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced.
The government has published details of the one-off bonus that employers can claim if they keep previously furloughed employees on their books for three months after the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme closes on 31 October.
The materials and information included in the XpertHR service are provided for reference purposes only. They are not intended either as a substitute for professional advice or judgment or to provide legal or other advice with respect to particular circumstances. Use of the service is subject to our terms and conditions.
LNRS Data Services Limited trading as XpertHR is an Appointed Representative of Markel International Insurance Company Limited trading as Markel Legal Expenses Insurance which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.