You are here: Home - Household Bills - News -

Government won’t extend furlough for high-risk people

0
Written by:
24/08/2020
The government confirmed it won’t extend the furlough scheme for those considered high risk or clinically extremely vulnerable in answer to a petition with thousands of signatures.

A petition calling for an extension to the furlough scheme for high-risk people who can’t safely return to work has been answered by the government.

It attracted over 21,000 signatures and called for furlough to be extended (initially beyond August) for those who are shielding or high-risk and cannot safely return to work.

“No-one should have to choose between their job and their health”, it stated.

The petition included: “Tens of thousands of workers will not be able to go back to work because they still face a high risk from coronavirus.

“People who are high-risk or shielding have made great sacrifices over the last few months to protect themselves, their families and the NHS, and it would be hugely unfair if they lost their jobs as a result.

“These people have supported all of us by keeping themselves safe from the virus, now it’s time for us to reciprocate by helping to protect their jobs.”

As the petition attracted over 10,000 signatures (the trigger point for a response), HM Treasury today said previously furloughed employees who are unable to work from home but are still clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) can still be furloughed flexibly under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) until the end of October.

“The government continues to ensure that the CEV can be suitably protected and have access to adequate support as the country returns to work. The CJRS flexible furloughing is designed to ensure that employees, especially those who may be shielding, are able to talk with their employer and agree options as to their work.

“From 1 August, the government relaxed advice to those who may be shielding or are CEV in order to ensure they can still stay at home as much as possible, but that if they are unable to work from home they can work on site, if the work environment is Covid-safe.”

The government added it’s important for CEV people to continue taking precautions, and employers should do all they can to enable them to work from home where possible, including by moving them to another role if required.

“Where this is not possible, CEV people should be provided with the safest onsite roles that enable them to maintain social distancing from others,” it added.

Further, where CEV people may not be eligible for the CJRS, the government said they may be eligible for welfare payments, help in obtaining food and medicine and council funding.

Related Posts

There are 0 Comment(s)

If you wish to comment without signing in, click your cursor in the top box and tick the 'Sign in as a guest' box at the bottom.

Everything you wanted to know about ISAs…but were afraid to ask

The new tax year is less than a fortnight away and for ISA savers or investors, it’s hugely important. If yo...

Your right to a refund if travel is affected by train strikes

There have been a wave of train strikes in the past six months, and for anyone travelling today Friday 3 Febru...

Could you save money with a social broadband tariff?

Two-thirds of low-income households are unaware they could be saving on broadband, according to Uswitch.

What will happen if rates change

How your finances will be impacted by a rise in interest rates.

Regular Savings Calculator

Small regular contributions can build up nicely over time.

Online Savings Calculator

Work out how your online savings can build over time.

DIY investors: 10 common mistakes to avoid

For those without the help and experience of an adviser, here are 10 common DIY investor mistakes to avoid.

Mortgage down-valuations: Tips to avoid pulling out of a house sale

Down-valuations are on the rise. So, what does it mean for home buyers, and what can you do?

Five tips for surviving a bear market mauling

The S&P 500 has slipped into bear market territory and for UK investors, the FTSE 250 is also on the edge. Her...

Money Tips of the Week