Exclusive: David Ross Education Trust again controversially furloughing staff

One of England’s largest and best-connected academy trusts is this month again furloughing staff - and once more facing controversy after suggesting that those affected have not already had their salaries paid by the taxpayer.

David Ross Education Trust, the 34-school chain presided over by the former co-founder of Carphone Warehouse and Conservative Party donor, has asked a number of staff to go on furlough from Monday this week until at least February 5^th.

This is despite the Department for Education having said, in official guidance to schools, that “we do not, in general, expect schools to furlough staff”. The trust has told staff that the move is to “safeguard [its] future”.

The chain, which has been in financial difficulties in recent years, has told staff it will ensure all of their salaries are paid during their time off work-with the government paying 80 per cent of this through the furlough scheme, and the trust meeting the other 20 per cent.

The news comes with David Ross having been in the spotlight last May having furloughed – it has now emerged through its recently-published accounts – more than 100 staff or nearly six per cent of its workforce.