Furlough

lmtaylor1231

Hi, was just wondering if anyone can help me. I started a new job on the 23rd of March, due to the business no longer being able to fund my employment they have just terminated it. I am still on the system at my old job as I planned to do some part time shifts. Do I fit the furlough scheme and if so who do I claim it off and how? Thanks 

Jeremy535897

You currently have only one job, the one you stopped working for, so far as I can tell. Talk to them as I assume you were on their payroll at 28 February 2020.

matthewlawton

Hey there,
Firstly, I wanted to say thank you for your solid advice. I just wanted to ask one question! I handed in my notice after being offered a job elsewhere on the 9th march, with my last working day being the 3rd April. Unfortunately for me the offer was withdrawn, and I couldnt keep my job as my current employer was uncertain on their business, which I totally understand however, since you fought to get this changed, I have approached my employer about being  re employed under furlough. I have explained that this wouldn't cost him anything and although he hasn't come back to me, I dont feel he is going to say yes. I understand the company has no legal obligation on this, but I left on good terms, have always worked and have never had a sick day. I'm ex forces and a good upstanding citizen, what I'm trying to say is, is there anything I can do to either gentle persuade my employer if they say no. And secondly, if they say no then what else can I do? I thought I would be ok as I can drive HGVs, but it's a bit of a jungle out there at the moment and haven't been able to find any work, which is unlike me but, i dont really have long until this causes me huge financial problems. Once again guys, thanks you! And thank you for taking the time to read this. 

m45hed80

i have received a letter from the NHS now saying I need to isolate for 12 weeks, ive handed it into my employer but they are refusing to accept it and furlough me and are trying to get me to go back to work on a building site! can they do this and go against the NHS letter?

whizzywoo

They don't have to furlough you. It's their choice if they want to do it.

However I do believe that the shielding letter means that you can go off sick and receive SSP

calcotti

m45hed80 said:

i have received a letter from the NHS now saying I need to isolate for 12 weeks, ive handed it into my employer but they are refusing to accept it and furlough me and are trying to get me to go back to work on a building site! can they do this and go against the NHS letter?

If you have a shielding letter you are legally entitled to be sick and paid SSP. There is confusion about whether or not you can be furloughed in this situation, government guidance says you can but the Treasury Directions which is the legal basis of the scheme appears to state that you cannot.

calcotti

matthewlawton said:... if they say no then what else can I do? 

If needed look at eligibility for Universal Credit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/. 

There are online calculators to help you assess entitlement  https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Be aware that claiming UC will end any Tax Credits, Housing Benefit or other means tested benefits you currently get.

You will be excluded from UC if you have savings over £16,000.

You may also be able to claim Council Tax Reduction from your local council.

If you are part of a couple you both have to claim and assessed on your joint circumstances.

If not eligible for UC you could claim new style JSA (you can claim both but the JSA is deducted from the UC).