The recent lockdown has resulted in further absences from work, as a result of shielding and school closures. Although the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is not intended for short-term absences due to sickness, the furlough guidance now helpfully confirms that employers can furlough employees whose health has been affected by coronavirus, including if they are unable to work from home because they:

• are clinically extremely vulnerable, or at the highest risk of severe illness from coronavirus and following public health guidance;
• have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus, such as caring for children who are at home as a result of school and childcare facilities closing, or caring for a vulnerable individual in their household.

However this does not mean that employers must furlough employees in these circumstances.