Guidance from the DFE

I have been in touch with the relevant people to try and help Nannies who are worried and concerned about their role in the family home during these difficult and uncertain times. The advise is to stay at home but some parents do need to go to work and need childcare. Furlough is constantly being addressed for certain sectors of work but we do not have clear clarification on domestic workers at the moment which is the category nannies come under. The DFE did reply which was great under the circumstances to my email trying to address this matter. I have copied in the information they gave me so please use this and speak to parents regarding your concerns.

I will keep checking the sites and if any further information becomes available I will let you know. I am in touch with the Association of nanny agencies and way2paye who are working hard to keep everyone updated too.

Whilst we fully understand your concerns, we are only able to offer advice in accordance with the official government advice published on the gov.uk website.

The government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.

Schools are, therefore, being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children - children who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home.

Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined in the published guidance.

Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be – principles to follow can be found on the guidance page.

The list of categories of critical workers is published here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 23 March that everyone in the UK must stay at home to tackle coronavirus. Below are guidelines which explain this in further detail.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people

Employers can check eligibility and how much they can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (“furlough”) due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

If staff are employed by agencies, then the agencies are responsible for their pay and anything related to the employees. Employees will need to speak with the agency in this situation.

Employees can contact ACAS for further advice on their rights.

0300 123 1100

https://www.acas.org.uk/

It is recommended that you continue to visit https://www.gov.uk/ which will be updated with any new developments.