Parents returning to work after extended leave eligible for furlough

The Chancellor has announced that parents on statutory maternity and paternity leave who return to work will be eligible for furlough scheme even after 10 June cut-off date.

We confirmed yesterday that Employers who had not already furloughed a member of staff who they may want to furlough in the future had until yesterday (10 June 2020) to do so in order for the current three-week furlough period to be completed by Tuesday 30 June.

Today (11 June 2020) we can confirm that the Chancellor has announced that parents on statutory maternity and paternity leave who return to work in the coming months will be eligible for furlough scheme even after 10 June cut-off date.

This will only apply where they work for an employer who has previously furloughed employees and to people on adoption leave, shared parental leave, and parental bereavement leave.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP 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.”

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

More details of the change will be included in updated guidance, published on 12 June.

Support for Employers

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present numerous and complex challenges for Employers. With various other changes to the Furlough Scheme due to come into effect from 1 July, Employers should be seeking professional advice to ensure they understand their options and implement their preferred actions effectively and legally.

If you are an Employer and require advice and support on the various steps you need to take to end furlough, call us now on 0800 612 4772 or Contact us via our website and we will set out clear options for you to help ensure you comply with your legal obligations.