How sympathetic do landlords need to be when trying to recover a debt from a Short Term Let?

Rent Arrears

I am an experienced landlord with over 20 years experience but I’m struggling slightly with how to deal with student rent arrears given the current covid climate and would appreciate any advice.
I have a house of 3 students one 12 months jointly and severally liable short term contract has been signed by all 3 and guarantors taken for each tenant. They have all moved back home after staying in the house for one week given their face to face tuition was drastically reduced. One tenant and their guarantor is claiming they cannot afford to pay. The guarantor, a self employed taxi driver is saying he cannot afford the rent as his business has suffered greatly. The guarantor has not claimed any government support as he says he doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone. He has offered to pay half the rent and pay the other half when, (and using his own words), things ‘pick up’. The other guarantors are claiming they only thought they were guaranteeing their own child and have initially made sounds of not paying for another party to the contract. If the guarantor who is saying he cannot afford to pay is offering some sort of repayment albeit left wide open should I be seen to support this type of offer? How would a judge view this given the covid climate? I have a mortgage on the property concerned which still requires paying. I suppose I want to be seen to be supportive but I have financial commitments myself and don’t qualify for any government support that’s currently being offered.