Can I be furloughed?

vicki777

I handed in my notice (before Coronavirus hit) without a job in place, because I had such a long notice period to work - and I thought I could get another job in that time. I have a toddler who now is not in childcare so I am unable to work. My current employers would be happy to retract me resignation, but they are worried doing so and putting me on furlough would be fraudulent? Does anyone know the answer to this? Technically I am furloughed because I am unable to work due to my toddler not having childcare and my husband being a key worker. My notice period is due to end at the end of April. So to reiterate, can they retract my resignation and put me on furlough? Thanks for your help in advance 

Jeremy535897

I suspect they are correct.

HornetSaver

Martin Lewis has specifically addressed this question:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=216&v=tk_s2cIHGbw&feature=emb_logo

Okay, it's not entirely the same, but with regards to the manner in which furlough is being enforced - he has had it directly from the people that matter that it's designed to be inclusive. Once that employer resumes functioning you would likely need to move onto benefits - and it may be that you can reach an agreement with your employer to reduce your future required level of notice period if the fact is that you cannot work for them once we're back to normal (to say, a week, and use paid or unpaid leave in lieu of working the notice).

7Phil

Technically you are on SSP because you are being asked to stay at home. You aren't furloughed a the moment.

There is nothing to stop you writing them a letter to say that you would like to retract your notice to leave and whether they would consider agreeing for you to keep your role. If they agree then great. Ignore the COVID-19 situation, it's not relevant at all. In normal days if you handed your notice in but then your plans for your next job falls through you are totally entitled to retract your notice to leave and your employer can accept that if they wish.

I assume you are still on their payroll and therefore still employed by them.
Give writing the letter a shot and try to grab what you can. Seek legal advice if there are concerns.

7Phil

Short advice: Furlough or no furlough. I would definitely be trying to get my job back.