Started new job before lockdown - Furlough help

pobdavies

Hi,

sorry if this has been asked before, but I started a new job a week before the lockdown and want to know if I am eligible for furloughing?

Thank you

Jeremy535897

We don't know yet. See https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees#furloughed-workers

pobdavies

Thank you Jeremy, I have read the government statements. I'm hoping someone who has experienced this or resolved this will have an idea.

Jeremy535897

Nobody has yet experienced anything as the scheme is not actually up and running yet. Furlough is at the otion of the employer though, as the guidance says. You can't ask for it.

calcotti

It is up to the employer. Has your employer said they have no work for you?

pobdavies

Hi Calcotti, thats not why or what I am asking really. If the business needs to furlough employees, I am asking, am i eligible if the business wants to furlough me?

If it hasnt happenned yet thats fine, and this is unknown territory. But with millions of workers out there I'm asking if anyone has experience of this.

Jeremy535897

I am at a loss to understand precisely what it is you are asking?

calcotti

pobdavies said:

Hi Calcotti, thats not why or what I am asking really. If the business needs to furlough employees, I am asking, am i eligible if the business wants to furlough me?

If it hasnt happenned yet thats fine, and this is unknown territory. But with millions of workers out there I'm asking if anyone has experience of this.

It is up to the employer whether or not they furlough employees and it is up to them to decide who to furlough - a decision they will make based on business need. Obviously a good employer considering furloughing some employees but not all will have a conversation to see if there are some who would prefer to be furloughed and others who would prefer to work. It is not a situation you, as an employee, have any control over.

Blewyb90

Hi all, sorry to repeat but I am also in the same boat, my new employee has not said anything but I can see work drying up, I left my previous company on Friday 6th March and started at my new employer on Monday 9th I am hearing you can only be furloughed if in employment upto 28th Feb can furlough be claimed by my previous employer thanks all in advance 

pobdavies

calcotti said:

pobdavies said:

Hi Calcotti, thats not why or what I am asking really. If the business needs to furlough employees, I am asking, am i eligible if the business wants to furlough me?

If it hasnt happenned yet thats fine, and this is unknown territory. But with millions of workers out there I'm asking if anyone has experience of this.

It is up to the employer whether or not they furlough employees and it is up to them to decide who to furlough - a decision they will make based on business need. Obviously a good employer considering furloughing some employees but not all will have a conversation to see if there are some who would prefer to be furloughed and others who would prefer to work. It is not a situation you, as an employee, have any control over.

Hi Calcotti,

Without meaning to sound like a rude troll, I am asking because I do have an influence regarding this decision and in the interest of the business surviving, I would be willing to suggest that I am furloughed as 1, I am employable due to my qualifications and skill set and 2, because I am on the highest salary and believe in last in first out.

This is why I am asking.

pobdavies

Jeremy535897 said:

I am at a loss to understand precisely what it is you are asking?

I get that. I'm sure someone who does understand answer the question will eventually answer if there is an answer. but thank you for trying to help, it is appreciated.