As COVID-19 guidance from Central Government continues to evolve, please see below revised guidance relating to Schools Mutual Fund claims.
Schools Mutual Fund – COVID-19 Guidance
The purpose of the Mutual Fund is to support schools by offsetting some of the additional staffing costs incurred in paying for supply cover or additional hours, while also still paying the salary of the person who is being covered.
In order to be eligible to make a claim through the mutual fund you have to meet BOTH of these criteria:
1. You have to have a legal obligation to continue paying your current member of staff
AND
2. You have to have a legal obligation to pay a different person, for supply cover. This person will either be external to the school or would be a current member of staff (likely employed on a part time basis) working additional hours above and beyond their normal contracted hours. If you are simply using a member of your regular staff to cover this work as part of their normal contracted hours, you would not be eligible to make a claim through the mutual fund, as you are not incurring additional costs
You can then apply to the mutual fund subject to the same terms and conditions that would normally apply. If you are unsure whether you have a legal obligation to pay any member of internal or external staff, please check with HR.