Looking for furlough advice

Svella

OK so my partner is a nanny that works for 2 families so effectively 2 different jobs, both worked via PAYE for nannies. Unfortunately on the main job the dad was made redundant and they decided they no longer need my partner, she is now working her notice until early April. Due to everything happening she is unable to get a new job (can't go to people's house plus with everyone at home no one needs a nanny!). According to everything I can see her old employer should be able to re-hire her and put her straight on furlough so at the 80% pay it won't cost them anything but will help my partner (and me) out massively. Is this true, can this be done? Her second employer should also be able to do this to help them out but she only does 8 hours a week for them.
Please let me know what you think! 

Jeremy535897

I'm sorry but I don't think it can be, because the coronavirus job retention scheme is to help businesses, and employing a nanny is not a business.

Svella

But the gov website says its open to all UK employers, and the families do employ her, also by that reckoning some house cleaners and others would be discounted but according to this site the whole point is to try and provide support to people via the employers! 

Jeremy535897

"Eligibility

All UK businesses are eligible."

That's the guidance. It's not a business.

mwarby

Is it normal for a family to employee someone on PAYE ? Are you sure she is employed by the family, and not by say an agency ?

Jeremy535897

It should be more common than it is. Many people don't realise that if you employ a nanny you should operate PAYE unless their pay is low. They may also need to provide a workplace pension. Not all nannies come through an agency.

Svella

Yes, Jeremy is right it should be more common as it is a good way to do it. The family is the employer it's just an agency used to help locate the jobs.
Also the gov site also says this - Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers will be able to access support. Then also says as Jeremy said in his earlier reply. 

sharpe106

Even if they can claim (unsure if they would be suitable or not anyway) I would personal not want to as the scheme has been set up to help protect jobs, which as you have said yours is already lost. So potentially could be considered fraud as they would be claiming against a scheme to protect jobs and have no intention of keeping you on. It would probably never come to that but if I was the person I would not be wanting to do it as I would be the liable.  

7Phil

I also don't see any pathways here.
The statement "her old employer should be able to re-hire her and put her straight on furlough": I don't think you will be covered under this scheme.