Last week, HMRC updated their guidance to confirm that employees who are unable to work because they are caring for their children at home, as a result of school or childcare facilities closing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, are now eligible for furlough. This can either be full furlough or flexible furlough.
With Lockdown 3.0 upon us, and with the news that schools will not be reopening until the February half term at the earliest, this will be welcome news to parents who were struggling to balance work with home-schooling.
Employees who fall into this category may have a legal right to time off in order to care for their children. They may also have a legal right to request flexible working. However, there is no current legal entitlement to be paid for this leave, or to be paid your normal wages should you work reduced hours. Employers can now however, if they choose to do so, furlough these employees and claim for up to 80% (up to a maximum of £2,500 per month) of their wages.
The furlough scheme is currently available until the end of April 2021 and employees must have been employed, and a salary instalment paid through payroll, on or before 30 October 2020.
Please get in touch with us here at People Legal if, in the circumstances whereby you have been unable to work due to childcare issues, you have:
- Been dismissed
- Been issued with a warning
- Been forced to resign
- Been forced to accept a pay cut
We’ll be able to help you. Please call us on 0800 368 8470, email us at [email protected] or arrange a chat. We offer free initial legal advice and a range of funding options if you decide to pursue your case.
