The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called for employers to offer furlough to all parents affected by school closures after “real difficulties” created by the latest government decisions.
It comes after the government said last week that some schools would not reopen as planned on Monday, with a further U-turn over the weekend relating to London schools.
The TUC said the furlough scheme – under which the government pays 80% of wages for temporarily laid-off workers – can be used in the case of workers unable to work due to lack of childcare.
It also pointed out that the scheme is available for a minimum of seven days and can also be used to allow for part-time working, which could allow parents to share childcare over the coming weeks.
The trade union organisation said it was “concerned that not all bosses are aware that caring responsibilities are an acceptable reason to furlough”.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “With many schools closed, many families will be frantically trying to find a way to balance their work and childcare commitments.
“Without further action, many will have no choice but to cut their hours or take unpaid leave from work. This will lead to further hardship and will hit mums and single parents hardest.
“Employers must do the right thing and furlough mums and dads who can’t work because of childcare responsibilities.”