Apprenticeships
Yesterday evening, the government provided updated guidance on apprenticeships in relation to furlough and the coronavirus pandemic. We have highlighted the key points from this updated guidance below:
- The guidance has confirmed that apprentices who are furloughed can continue their training, but only where this does not generate revenue or provide services for their employer.
- The HM Treasury will not be pausing employers’ apprenticeship levy payments.
- The government makes clear that they would encourage training and assessment to take place remotely
- Breaks in learning can be permitted, and the guidance goes on to explain how these breaks should be recorded.
- Extensions to the timetable for assessments will be granted where necessary.
The full details of the guidance can be found on the government’s website here.
Annual leave during furlough
Many businesses are eager to find out what the government’s position is on the interaction between annual leave and furlough. Whilst the government have still not provided any official guidance in respect of this, ACAS have today updated their guidance to say that employees can take annual leave whilst they are on furlough.
Initially ACAS’ position was that taking annual leave whilst on furlough would be impractical. However, their updated guidance now reads as follows: “If an employee is 'furloughed' … they can still request and take their holiday in the usual way. This includes taking bank holidays.”
The full ACAS guidance can be viewed here. Alternatively, readers who need further advice on how this guidance should be implemented in practice may contact our Employment Team for assistance.
Listen to our Clarkslegal Podcast here on apprenticeships and annual leave during furlough:Clarkslegal-Podcast_Apprenticeship&AnnualLeave