HMRC has updated its guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to confirm that employees may be furloughed if they are unable to work or are working reduced hours because of caring responsibilities which have arisen as a result of covid-19.  The amended guidance states that caring responsibilities include caring for:

• children who are at home as a result of the closure of schools or childcare facilities
• a vulnerable individual in the household.

You can read the full HMRC guidance here: check which employees you can put on furlough.

Please note, however, that there are still other restrictions on applying if you have staff costs that are publicly funded. Further guidance can be found here: check if you can claim for wages under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and there is an explanation of this in our previous news articles here.

Further support

If you are unsure how this may apply to your charity’s circumstances, please contact herjeet.randhawa@rva.org.uk for confidential advice.