Closed petition The Government must contribute NI and Pensions under the new furlough scheme.

Closed on 16 June 2021

The Government should cover NI and pensions contributions under the extended furlough scheme from November, as in the original scheme earlier this year. Under the current CJRS to March 2021, they are the employer's obligation, and many are refusing to cover these, leaving employees without support.

The new scheme is not cost-neutral for employers as it was from March-August, as they still have to cover NI and pension contributions. Some employers are therefore refusing to put employees back onto furlough, particularly affecting those on zero hours, who are some of the most vulnerable and precarious workers in our society.

The onus should not be on employers to make these contributions, giving them the option to opt out, leaving many without support. The Government must cover them.