Can i be furloughed?

sammie9874

I work as a care assistant for a private nursing home, i have had a letter to "sheild" for 12 weeks due to ongoing medication and health condition, my employer has agreed i must not go to work and must self isolate. COULD i be entitled to furlough? I realise they dont HAVE to but would it be an option? They are saying furlough does not apply to them as they are public sector and that i will only get SSP? 

Mrsn

They are correct unfortunately. Furlough is designed for those jobs that are at risk due to the corona virus and yours doesn’t fall under that category.

If you aren’t already claiming universal credit then you should be able
to apply for that to help with the drop in income. You can also contact your local council to see what schemes/funds they have to help with council tax etc.

unforeseen

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

Employees who are shielding in line with public health guidance can be placed on furlough

I don't understand. You say it is a PRIVATE nursing home but later say your employer says you are public sector. 
One of you is wrong. My betting is that its the employer, trying to ignore the furlough option.

I suggest you show them the page linked to above. 

jeffas8

I work away from home for 3 weeks as I'm classed as a key worker and my wife has received a letter and told to shield for 13 weeks due to health problems should my company be placing me on furlough to prevent contamination when i return from work.

Mrsn

jeffas8 said:

I work away from home for 3 weeks as I'm classed as a key worker and my wife has received a letter and told to shield for 13 weeks due to health problems should my company be placing me on furlough to prevent contamination when i return from work.

No you cannot be placed on furlough because your wife is shielding. The scheme is to protect roles that would otherwise be made redundant. It is also entirely up to the employer whether they even use the scheme or not.