Furlough during the Christmas period

With Christmas only one month away, employers and employees will now be thinking ahead on what this means during Christmas when most employers shutdown or employees request holidays during the festive period.

The question that employers will ask is, can employees be placed on Furlough during this time. The simple answer is:

1. Yes, if they are on a period of furlough prior to and it continues after the Christmas shutdown (if employers have one); or
2. No, if the period of furlough is just to cover the holidays

This is confirmed within the CJRS guidance where it advises “Employees should not be placed on furlough for a period simply because they are on holiday for that period”

Employers are advised not to claim furlough if it is just to cover any employer shutdown as this is not in the spirit of the scheme.

Where employees are on holiday, they will continue to be paid 100% pay during this time and they will continue to accrue leave entitlement during any period of furlough leave as per their employment contract.

For further information, or if you have any questions, please contact Brian Robb or your usual AAB contact