HMRC has updated its guidance to state that employers can (not must) furlough employees whose health has been affected by coronavirus or any other conditions, this includes if they are unable to work from home, or working reduced hours, because they:
- are clinically extremely vulnerable, or at the highest risk of severe illness from coronavirus and following public health guidance
- have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus, such as caring for children who are at home as a result of school and childcare facilities closing, or caring for a vulnerable individual in their household
This should resolve any area of uncertainty, which is whether parents who stay at home to look after school-age children are eligible for furlough.
Visit HMRC guidance for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-which-employees-you-can-put-on-furlough-to-use-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
If you would any further information on the latest guidance then please get in touch with a member of the Ward Williams HR team and we will be delighted to assist.