So-called 80% scheme and second jobs

Jeremy535897

There has been a lot of debate about whether a furloughed employee on 80% of wages can get a second job under the coronavirus job retention scheme rules (assuming their contract of employment allows it). The advice offered is that the scheme focuses on the job, not the job holder, so it shouldn't matter if you get a second job (except that you might deprive someone more in need of it). However, we can't be sure without the detail.
I will sound a note of caution, having given this advice in the past myself. On a very quick speed read of the debate in the House today, the following caught my eye:
Stephen Doughty
I thank the Secretary of State for giving way. He is being incredibly generous. Clause 23 talks about food supply chains, which are absolutely crucial. He will have seen that many supermarkets are taking on additional workers to meet demand. Can he provide an answer on this point or get one from the Treasury? I have heard from many people who are thinking of applying for those jobs, perhaps to make up loss of income. If they are covered by the 80% wage subsidy, are they able to take on extra work or will they lose the 80% wage subsidy from their existing job? May we have urgent clarity on that point, because it could be deterring people from taking up those important jobs in our supermarkets and supply chains?
Matt Hancock

That really is a question for the Treasury. My understanding is that the 80% wage subsidy is for those who are furloughed, as the Chancellor put it, as opposed to those who have moved into other jobs, but the hon. Gentleman will have to ask the Treasury for a more detailed answer."

Whether he really understood the question is debatable, but this shows how difficult it is to answer specific questions when details are short and the process is ongoing.

calcotti

I think there is a misunderstanding of the question."Those who have moved into other jobs" is not the same as 'those who have taken on second jobs".

However the government may not have thought of this initially and might see it as a look hole they try to close - although given that it is an employer subsidy it is difficult to see how thy could.

As you have said in other threads there are questions around the terms of employment contracts. If I was employer I would want to know my furloughed employees were available for an immediate return to work if required and if I was taking on new workers I wouldn't want them suddenly walking out to go back to their main job.