Parents can ask for furlough from work in order to look after their children, according to money saving expert Martin Lewis.
The finance guru has explained that the way in which the furlough scheme works has been changed in order to offer a lifeline to working parents.
Schools across the UK closed before Christmas and in Scotland won't re-open until February at the earliest.
Some parents who are key workers qualify for a school place, however thousands more are facing working from home and home schooling their children simulataneously.
Speaking on his ITV show, Martin Lewis Money Show, he said furlough has a new flexible way of working that should benefit working parents this lockdown, reports The Mirror.
He said: "I want to shine some light and warmth on your finances.
"Furlough is available until the 30th of April. You have to understand though, that furlough is always at the employer's discretion - they do not have to furlough anyone.
"To get furlough you need to have been on the payroll by the 30th October - it applies to zero-hours contract people, agency workers... you can be furloughed.
"And furlough now is flexible."
The new flexibility means parents could work part of the week and be furloughed for the rest of it which will offer a vital lifeline to under-pressure parents.
Martin added: "It's important to understand that if you can't work because of childcare responsibilities, your kids are now at home, then firms can furlough you just because of that.
"Ask them, they don't have to, but I hope they would be considerate on that."
However Martin also said even if a company refuses a parent furlough, they still have to allow time off to look after children, unpaid.
He added: "If they won't furlough you, you do have a legal right to time off to look after your children.
"But you don't have a legal right to be paid for it.
"Which is why furlough is a very good option - and of course flexible furlough works there too."
Martin also said people classed as 'at risk' could apply for furlough.
He said: "Similarly, if you've been told you have to shield - and millions of people are getting their letters that they have to shield and shouldn't leave their homes - firms can furlough you for that reason. But they don't have to.
"You might be eligible for sick pay, or statutory sick pay, but not everyone will be and there are gaps," Martin said.
