To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) whether his Department is aware that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme could be used to support employees self-isolating; and (ii) whether his Department advised employers of this.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is administered by HMRC, which is responsible for setting the eligibility criteria for the scheme. Employers can contact HMRC directly or access the guidance available on the UK Government website.

In addition, guidance for employers and employees, including signposting to the HMRC guidance, is available online at www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk and https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19. The Labour Relations Agency also provides information to employers and workers about employment matters through its Workplace Information Service.