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Government to pay wages of those not working and boost benefits in new coronavirus measures

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Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a new package of far-reaching measures to help people's finances during the coronavirus pandemic - such as increasing benefits and housing allowance, and paying 80% of employees' wages if businesses are struggling...

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'Government to pay wages of those not working and boost benefits in new coronavirus measures'
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  • I'm reducing my part time hours to look after my children, from the looks of the information, I wouldn't qualify for the 80% wage help the government has offered as I wasn't about to be laid off. (I work in retail but back office staff)
    Anyone any thoughts or advice? 
    TIA 
  • peteb23
    peteb23 Posts: 192 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    I've already been finished up by my employer and working my notice (final day is the 31st  March). Somebody on the BBC said this Policy applies to anyone who was employed on the 28th Feb and employers can claim the 3 month's money on behalf of fired employees. 

    I can't see this anywhere. Does anyone know if I'm covered by this?

    Thanks
  • roseview
    roseview Posts: 157 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    We work on a tactical basis, booked by agencies to do promotional work. All jobs have been cancelled obviously but we will get no help at all. We don't qualify for Universal Credit as we have savings which are intended to fund our retirement/pay off mortgage. We currently get WTC but if we aren't working for a long period of time, presumably that will stop as we won't do the required number of hours.
  • phillw
    phillw Posts: 5,665 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    peteb23 said:
    I can't see this anywhere. Does anyone know if I'm covered by this?
    I think they have to take you back.
  • Does anyone know what the situation is with non-profits and staff volunteering whilst furloughed?
    Originally we were going to have to let go the majority of our staff go due to the massive decrease in donations and then came the announcement about the 80% wage support to keep staff on the payroll who cannot work. Many of our staff give up their non working days to volunteer with us as we are a small charity who just about covers costs. Under the normal rules of furlough those not working are barred from doing any work for the company. What do we do if our furloughed workers choose, of their own accord, to volunteer with the charity.
  • Hi I don’t know if I’m posting in the right section but here I go...I work in a bank...I understand that we have to keep open for customers but as with everyone else in the world I am worried. I took my daughter out of school a week earlier than they closed (personal choice and I had the time booked off for holiday) I’m due to go back next week but I am panicking. At the end of the day we don’t know that people walking through the door are following government guidelines we are taking the chance that customers are healthy..there is no way we can social distance in branch. I will be knowingly taking that chance that I could possibly be bringing covid 19 home with me...schools are opening ..yes...but being that they could be a mass gathering /breeding ground is the reason I took her out in the first place! I know I’m considered a key worker but I do not feel comfortable sending her back. The main reason being I have too many vulnerable people in my family...and with them putting themselves in isolation I have no one to look after her. With the risk of sounding a complete idiot I put my concerns out to you guys...would I lose my job by not going back straight away? Please any advice would be greatly received 
    thanks 
  • roddydogs
    roddydogs Posts: 7,479 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    The "government" doesn't pay anything, its taxpayers money that will mean massive tax rises when this is all over.
  • bergh
    bergh Posts: 19 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 10 Posts Photogenic
    How do I claim please, I am a pensioner who worked to supplement my pension and been laid off my 2 day week.  What do I need to do, fill in, etc?  thank you.
  • Jeremy535897
    Jeremy535897 Posts: 10,733 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    You all need to post different questions on separate threads as nobody can answer all of your questions in one post, but I will try. Bergh, it is down to your employer to apply. Luchar, you could consider self isolating but that is temporary. Have you any reason to think you are at more risk than the average worker? Jesszr, your point is obscure, but why take the risk if you prejudice the 80% wage contribution? Roseview, read the WTC rules on what constitutes work very carefully, but you are right that it is at risk. PeteB23 see if they will defer your leaving date for a few months, but this is contrary to the spirit of the scheme (it is to preserve jobs and yours is admitted to be over). Sarah, you are right that reducing hours does not qualify for the furloughed employee scheme. You have to be laid off.
  • I work in a private day nursery, we are closing to the majority of children that attend apart from the ‘key workers’ children under government guidelines. my hours along with my other colleagues hours have been cut from 40hrs to 16hrs. Would we still get help from the government or are we entitled to any help? Does anyone have advice on this? 
    Thank you.
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