Can you temporarily replace furloughed employees if they are carers?

[scater]

My question is just as the title really, I can't find anything when I search.

If you furlough an employee because they have requested it due to caring responsibilities, can you temporarily backfill their role? BJ was clear that employers should use it where possible for staff who are struggling, but what if that's the case but the employer needs the work to be undertaken?

Thanks.

Yes. As long as there is no suggestion that the furlough was because of lack of work, there’s no risk for the employer in backfilling the post.

Thank you for this, much appreciated.