Pub staff can still receive training if furloughed

The guidance states: “Furloughed employees can engage in training, as long as in undertaking the training the employee does not provide services to, or generate revenue for, or on behalf of their organisation. Furloughed employees should be encouraged to undertake training.”

Furloughed employees are entitled to be paid at least their appropriate national minimum wage for this time. 

Employers will need to pay additional wages if an individual’s time spent training means they go over the minimum wage entitlement. 

However, the Government said it expected that the furlough payment of 80% of an employee’s regular wage would be enough to cover training hours.

Remaining connected

The clarification has been welcomed by hospitality training providers and developmental partners.

CPL Learning chief operating officer Jamie Campbell said: “We believe the guidance provided means that employers can still provide their employees with access to learning and development resources so that they can continue with their personal development as long as it at their discretion.

“We feel this is an extremely positive development and will allow hospitality team members to remain connected and engaged to their employers while furloughed. 

“When teams return to their businesses, we know operations will need to be as focused and efficient as possible.

“So, encouraging engagement and skill development in this downtime is crucial, so your biggest assets are ready to deliver.”