Confused regarding Coronavirus support package

Packledawn

Hi. Forgive me if this has already been asked, but I'm really not clear on something. I currently work for NCP at Gatwick airport. The amount of work to do is reducing daily. Currently nobody has been sent home without pay. Those with ailments such as diabetes have been sent home on full pay. I've only been with the company four months. I've passed my probation. My question simply is: If the company decides to send me home without pay (rather than be made redundant) would I still be entitled to the Government's scheme? Many thanks.

calcotti

The government scheme supports employers to pay you. It is not something you can apply for yourself. Here is the Government advice to employees:

"To qualify for this scheme, you should not undertake work for them while you are furloughed. This will allow your employer to claim a grant of up to 80% of your wage for all employment costs, up to a cap of £2,500 per month.

You will remain employed while furloughed. Your employer could choose to fund the differences between this payment and your salary, but does not have to."

Packledawn

Thank you for the reply. The reason I asked is that I read on BBC that the scheme was for firms who have ALREADY laid of staff, which is not something that has happened at the airport. Though, I suppose it is possible that NCP may have laid off employees at other sites.

calcotti

See https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses#support-for-businesses-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Packledawn

Thank you!!!!

MarkVal73

Sorry to jump on here but I'm in the same boat and wanted to ask a question and not start a new thread. I work as a contractor to another company that pay will their own employees full wages if they have to close for a time. Does the government package cover contractors if they are asked to stay home for weeks? Will my company have to apply? Or the company that has contracted us? I hope I am being clear in my question because its confusing the hell out of me. I understand the need to be put of work, of course I do. I can probably survive a month without pay but things will get tricky after that....

unforeseen

As you are Ltd Co, they are suspending the contract that your company has.  You will still be acting as director of your company so not entitled to the 80%. 

MarkVal73

Sorry I must have put it across wrong. I am not a director. I am just an employee for a company contracted by another company.