Employee expected to do work during Furlough...?

r.a.i.n.b.o.w

Hello all again....further to my earlier thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6122147/employer-expects-employee-to-do-training-while-home-schooling-children-help-please - my daughter has had more clarification from her boss.

Her boss has now signed up for "the government scheme for 80%". My daughter will have to sign a new contract as a "floor line worker" which will then be sent to HMRC. So she's going to be furloughed. However, the boss told my daughter that she is still expected to do the at home/online training (as per above linked thread) while on the 80%. It's my understanding that this is against the law? So my daughter is within her rights to refuse to do the training, even if the new contract says it's compulsary? Also it will make my daughter's hourly wage around £7, less than NMW, again against the law if she is made to work/train?

Would appreciate any advice please, thank you.

sharpe106

See the guidelines. 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme 

 The relevant part 

However, if workers are required to for example, complete online training courses whilst they are furloughed, then they must be paid at least the NLW/NMW for the time spent training, even if this is more than the 80% of their wage that will be subsidised. 

r.a.i.n.b.o.w

sharpe106 said:

See the guidelines. 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme 

 The relevant part 

However, if workers are required to for example, complete online training courses whilst they are furloughed, then they must be paid at least the NLW/NMW for the time spent training, even if this is more than the 80% of their wage that will be subsidised. 

THANK YOU! So much info out there, thank you very much for finding this.

gary83

Once you are on furlough you will not be able to work for your employer, but you can undertake training or volunteer subject to public health guidance, as long as you’re not:

• making money for your employer
• providing services to your employer

If workers are required to for example, complete training courses whilst they are furloughed, then they must be paid at least the NLW/NMW for the time spent training, even if this is more than the 80% of their wage that will be subsidised.

Read the guidance 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme