Employers must furlough new shielders who can’t work from home

16 Feb 2021 09:08 PM

Responding to the announcement by the government that an extra 1.7 million people are being asked to shield in England, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady yesterday said:  

“This will be a very worrying time for hundreds of thousands of working people. Some will be able to work from home – but others will not. These new shielders who can’t work from home must not lose their jobs and livelihoods overnight. 

“Employers must furlough new shielders who can’t work from home to keep them and their jobs safe. 

“Ministers must publicise the option to furlough new shielders, and should consider introducing a right to be furloughed for all those who are required to shield.”

Editors Note

• Government guidance allows people to be furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme if they are shielding. The TUC is also calling on the government to introduce a temporary right to furlough for groups who cannot work because of coronavirus restrictions – both parents with childcare responsibilities and also those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and required to shield. 
• The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.