Requesting furlough - teacher in a pickle!

wafers

Anyone able to advise on the procedure for receiving furlough? 
I am doing a teaching maternity cover. The contract ended in February 2020 (which was when the teacher was originally due back).
It was agreed that I would be kept on until late April 2020 on a supply basis (but without having to fill in supply time sheets - money automatically goes into my bank account as before) which is when the teacher is now due back. The interim period has been/is 4 days a week instead of full-time, following my request to do less hours. 
I'm not self-employed and I've got NO other means of any income during the current coronavirus crisis. 
After watching Martin discussing furlough on his coronavirus special programme, I understand that I would be entitled to furlough? 
I have drafted an e mail to the headteacher of the school I'm based at but wondered if there are any specifics I should include or ask for? 
Ultimately I am very aware that time is of the essence, and that it is paramount that I am not removed from the payroll in April in order for furlough to work. 
Any help or suggestions hugely appreciated! Thanks in advance. 

wafers

Anyone any ideas on this? Was crossing everything that someone could help...

Hermann

From the guidance, I'm not sure if you count as public sector, if so unlikely to get furlough  ...
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Public sector organisations

The government expects that the scheme will not be used by many public sector organisations, as the majority of public sector employees are continuing to provide essential public services or contribute to the response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Where employers receive public funding for staff costs, and that funding is continuing, we expect employers to use that money to continue to pay staff in the usual fashion – and correspondingly not furlough them. This also applies to non-public sector employers who receive public funding for staff costs.

Organisations who are receiving public funding specifically to provide services necessary to respond to COVID-19 are not expected to furlough staff.

In a small number of cases, for example where organisations are not primarily funded by the government and whose staff cannot be redeployed to assist with the coronavirus response, the scheme may be appropriate for some staff.

gary83

Purely semantics, but nobody is entitled to furlough, a lot of people are eligible for it but it’s still entirely at the employers discretion whether or not you get it. Are the other teachers still working caring for key workers kids or have they been furloughed?

mattyprice4004

Was just about to mirror the above post - everyone needs to forget the word 'entitled' when it comes to furlough.
If your employer doesn't want to take part or to furlough you over someone else, you have no means of redress. It is entirely option on the part of the employer 

Mrsn

You are classed as a key worker so it is highly unlikely you will be put onto the furlough scheme given that schools are required to still open their doors. The school I am working in, we are on a rota system , is that not similar for yourself?

Im not sure what you mean about the April payroll? In the furlough scheme it’s for those on the companies payroll before 28/29th February which you would have been. 

wafers

I am having to self-isolate due to asthma (our young child has it as well), so am not included in the rota for school.
My agreed term ends in a couple of weeks. Above it states where 'funding is continuing, we expect employers to use that money to continue to pay staff in the usual fashion - and correspondingly not furlough them.'

My funding won't be continuing. I was on payroll at the required time.
Surely there's a possibility that I could be kept on the books purely to be furloughed? Ultimately it costs the school nothing?

Galloglass

Ultimately it costs the school nothing?

But it costs the taxpayer eventually - and perhaps the school if HMRC decides to interpret the rules rigidily. 

You should check your entitlement to benefits such as new-style Job Seekers which is not means tested. 

wafers

Galloglass said:

Ultimately it costs the school nothing?

But it costs the taxpayer eventually - and perhaps the school if HMRC decides to interpret the rules rigidily. 

You should check your entitlement to benefits such as new-style Job Seekers which is not means tested. 

It will cost the taxpayer eventually for every single case of furlough though? I've worked hard and paid into the system as other workers have done; its's a case of circumstances which make it more difficult for me to access furlough. 

sharpe106

The scheme is to protect jobs which may be lost, so to protect the economy. Unfortunately for the public sector employees it is very rare that the job will actually be lost after the current crisis. Which is why they are not keen on furloughing them. Not good for them in the short term but in the long term they will at least have a job.