What should I do?

Siwel93

I am really unsure what to do.. I’m struggling to sleep hence the late post as each day I’m getting more worked up over Coronavirus. 

I have been employed with the same company through an Agency since August, but on 2nd March of this year I started a full time contract and became a direct employee of the company. 

We are a contractor for 75%+ of all NHS bodies and plentiful councils up and down the country, however as we are in the IT industry we aren’t on the top of their priorities for very valid reasons. Therefore my workflow is now dead and I want to suggest being furloughed. We have had to lay off some agency staff already. I currently live with parents who are 70+ years old so my concern is being in an environment were drivers and equipment have been in hospitals where Coronavirus might be present and me bringing the infection home. We visit atleast 5 different hospitals a  day so the chances are quite high. 

If the government has stipulated 1st March for the date of the retention scheme, would I of missed the date to be eligible for the scheme?

I will struggle without the money from work and it will have an impact on the household income massively. Would I still be entitled to pay if self isolated for the safety of my parents? 

I know my employer will definitely want to keep me on, so long as they don’t go bust. But I think the employment retention scheme will be the ultimate decider whether I am kept on or not. I am yet to suggest working from home as luckily I could have the capacity to do that, I work in the office. But as a backup I wanted to try understand the furlough pay better. 

I understand we have never experienced a crisis like this but I appreciate any insight which could enlighten my situation. 

Bigphil1474

My understanding was that anyone on the payroll from 28th Feb onwards i.e. if you left before the 28th Feb then not included, if you've been on after that date, then included, so you should be fine. Check with your employer.

Siwel93

Thanks Phil

I still haven't been paid from my company and I have requested my P45 from the agency. when I get paid this 28th March will I then be eligible?

Jeremy535897

Your employer has to apply for the coronavirus retention scheme, and then talk to you about putting you in it as a furloughed employee. But why would they start you on a full time contract if they were going to lay you off? People within the scheme can do no work at all for their employer. If you choose to stay away from work to avoid risk to others, I don't think you qualify for anything, but your contract of employment may be relevant.

Siwel93

I’ve spoken to Croner (our third party HR) for advice, I’m proposing working from home and the directors are having a meeting this afternoon regarding everyone. Thanks for clarification everyone.