Parents returning to work eligible for furlough

People on paternity and maternity leave who return to work in the coming months will be eligible for the government’s furlough scheme.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has been extended until October, with new flexibilities introduced from July 1st to support the economy by allowing furloughed employees to return to work part-time.

To enable the introduction of part-time furloughing, and support those already furloughed back to work, claims from July onwards will be restricted to employers currently using the scheme and previously furloughed employees. This means people must had to be on the furlough scheme by yesterday (10th June).

However, the government has confirmed that parents on statutory maternity and paternity leave who return to work in the coming months after a long period of absence will be permitted to be furloughed.

Support

This will only apply where they work for an employer who has previously furloughed employees.

Announcing the change, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: "When I announced these changes to the furlough scheme last month, I was clear that we wanted to do this in a fair way, that supports people back to work as the country begins to re-open following coronavirus.

"But for parents returning from leave, their circumstances has meant that they are still in need of support, and I’m pleased that they will be able to receive the financial assistance they and their family will need."

The CJRS, which has so far helped 1million employers across the UK furlough almost 9million jobs, is now effectively closed to new entrants.

Employment law experts

More details of the change will be included in updated guidance, tomorrow (June 12th).

Click here if you would like to speak to us about CJRS or any other employment law matter.