Source · Select Committees · Petitions Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 26
The Government has suggested that women can be furloughed as a means of extending their...
Conclusion
The Government has suggested that women can be furloughed as a means of extending their maternity leave and delaying their return to work. However, access to the scheme is reliant on employers’ consent, rather than parents having a right to it, and there are strict limitations to whom it can apply. Many new mothers are not eligible, if their employer has not yet furloughed others, if they work in the public sector, or if their employer needs people back at work. We heard from teachers, police officers and NHS workers who simply did not have the option of being furloughed. For these reasons we do not think it is fair for the Government to suggest that it is realistic for many new parents.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government explained the purpose and temporary nature of the CJRS, confirming that employers are not obliged to use the scheme, and reiterated existing health and safety requirements for pregnant employees, without directly addressing the committee's concerns about fairness and realism for many new parents.
Paragraph Reference:
26
Government Response
The government responded to this report on 9 September 2020. No passage in that response could be matched to this conclusion. Read the response document ↗