6 April 2020

This update includes information about training while furloughed, coronavirus webinars and the government’s extended coronavirus business interruption loan schemes.

Can individuals who are furloughed do training?

Employees, apprentices and salon/barbershop owners can do online training while furloughed as long as it does not provide services to or generate revenue for the business.

However: time spent training is treated as working time and individuals who do training while they are furloughed must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW) for the time they spend training.

This means that if the furlough payment is below the NMW/NLW, the employer must make up the difference when paying for those hours spent training. Minimum wages have just increased for 2020/2021. Find out more.

Please note: This information applies to training. We are still seeking clarification regarding other types of work that may or may not be allowed while on furlough.

Latest government information on furlough

The government’s latest information on the coronavirus job retention scheme can be found here.

NHBF Member-only coronavirus webinars

NHBF Members can join our free coronavirus webinar to be held on 7 April 2020 at 10am. NHBF chief executive Hilary Hall and membership director Tina Beaumont-Goddard will be providing updates and answering your questions. Register now.

Government webinars

The government has launched a series of webinars to support employers, the self-employed and employees at this time. Find out more.

Extended coronavirus business interruption loan schemes

This scheme has been extended to include all viable small businesses affected by coronavirus, not only those who cannot get regular commercial financing. Find out more about the scheme. Lenders have also been banned from requesting personal guarantees on loans under £250,000.

The government has also announced loans of up to £25 million for firms with an annual turnover of between £45 million and £500 million. This scheme will be launched later this month.

See all updates