We respond to the updated Covid 19 Furlough rules

The Government has updated the rules covering which employees can be furloughed as a result of Covid 19. The rules now cover:

‘Employees who are unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) can be furloughed. For example, employees that need to look after children can be furloughed’.

The Women’s Budget Group very much welcomes this update. Very many parents of small children have been struggling to continue working since schools and nurseries have closed.

It is important that this change is as widely publicised as possible so that both employers and employees are aware that carers can be furloughed. 

We urge the Government to allow carers to be furloughed part time. This would allow parents to share care and paid work.