Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that your child’s employer will keep them on after the furlough scheme ends. This will depend on the circumstances of the individual business/employer.
The hope is that by the time the Furlough scheme ends, restrictions will have lifted and your child can return to work where their employer can start paying full wages again.
If your child is on a zero hours contract and they are taxed through PAYE, then they should be entitled to be furloughed. Their 80% payment will be based on the higher of:
Your child will need to discuss furlough with their employer, or the relevant agency where applicable. If they are put on furlough, they won’t be able to do any work for their employer or on their behalf until the furlough ends.
If your child has been on their employer’s payroll from 30th October 2020 then the government will pay their employer 80% of their salary, up to £2,500/month.
Your child’s employer can choose to top up their wage to the full 100% but they don’t have to.
Your child cannot do any work for their employer, or on their behalf, until furlough ends.
You can contact Advice NI for more detailed information and advice on how COVID-19 might affect your job or benefits. Contact details and advice are available through the Advice NI website.
If your child has lost their job or they are unable to do their work due to COVID-19, they can speak to their employer about being put on furlough. If this is not possible then they may be entitled to apply for universal credit.
Contact Advice NI for more information on this.