Please note: The legal advice given in this article is correct as of 29/01/21. Due to the ongoing nature of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent government guidance, information is subject to change. As such, we would always advise you speak to a solicitor for specific advice.

HMRC has now published a list of all employers who made a claim through the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), also known as furlough claims, during December 2020.

The Government and HMRC said during the first lockdown in spring 2020 that they would, at some point, release a list of employers making furlough claims, and they now have!

HMRC has not explained its precise reasons for doing this however it is undoubtedly partly to add some transparency to furlough claims.

There has been some concern about how the furlough scheme is being used by some employers which could amount to fraud and it is hoped that publishing the list could prevent furlough fraud. For example, a small business where its employees are all still working, but they discover a claim is being made in respect of their salary. In addition to this, some large employers may now be “shamed” and discouraged from claiming.

The list of all employers who made a furlough claim in December 2020 can be found here.

Going forward; employment disputes are inevitable due to fraudulent furlough claims or employers having simply got the process wrong with their employees.  We are already seeing employment tribunal claims for constructive and unfair dismissal arising from furlough leave being unlawfully implemented and claims for back pay (breach of contract and unlawful deduction of wages) due to the imposition of reduced furlough pay.

If you are an employer or an employee and you require advice and/or assistance about the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme; furlough leave; and/or furlough pay; please contact us on 0845 287 0939 or get in touch by email.

Farleys Solicitors specialise in employment law & HR for businesses and employees. If you or your business requires HR & employment law advice and support in relation to the current Covid-19 / Coronavirus situation and/or in relation to any other specific area for example; contracts of employment, staff handbooks, absence from work, home-working, apprentices, recruitment, restructuring, redundancies, lay-off; short-time working; disciplinaries, grievances, employee exits, settlement agreements; and Employment Tribunal claims or defence and representation; please get in touch with the team today.