The Government confirmed parents would not lose out on support if their earning dip while on coronavirus support schemes

Working parents using Rishi Sunak’s Job Support Scheme will still be eligible for help with childcare – even if their incomes dip below the threshold.

The Department for Education confirmed that parents using the new scheme would not lose out on tax-free childcare and 30 hours of support per week.

Workers placed on the furlough scheme – which winds up at the end of October – were able to continue to access childcare entitlements even if their income temporarily fell below the threshold.

Ministers have now confirmed that parents who take up the Chancellor’s new Job Support Scheme from November 1 or the extended Self Employed Income Support Scheme will still be covered.

Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford said: “This Government is increasing the safety net available to families, protecting working parents and our dedicated early years sector.

“This has been our constant priority, which is why I am so pleased to see attendance rates rising, as more parents return to work and take up the formal childcare arrangements they used before Covid-19 struck.