Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that businesses only grant their employees furlough according to Government guidance during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme forms part of a collective national effort to protect people’s jobs.

HMRC will check claims made through the scheme. Payments may be withheld or need to be repaid in full to HMRC if the claim is based on dishonest or inaccurate information or found to be fraudulent.

The Government expect the vast majority of employers to do the right thing, but HMRC reserve the right to follow up on claims and take whatever action is necessary if people abuse the CJRS scheme.

Fraudulent claims risk the provision of public services and the protection of livelihoods. Employees can play a vital role by reporting fraudulent claims to HMRC: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/customs-excise-and-vat-fraud-reporting