Unpaid Leave - notice period?

ChloeRD

Hello! Unsure if this is maybe a silly question but I couldnt find the answer anywhere. I work as a dental nurse for a mixed nhs/private practice in Scotland. It is unclear whether or not we can be furloughed, because my employer can receive the usual nhs money and we may still be redeployed, guidance is not clear yet. My employer has told us today that if we can be furloughed we will be, but if not the options are to be laid off or made redundant. I was wondering if I were to be laid off, am I still required to give my 4 weeks notice (as per my contract) to leave my job? Even though I will be placed on unpaid leave? At the moment I am now unsure whether I will be getting paid at all this month or whether im wasting my time sitting at home on unpaid leave when I could be getting a job helping out during this pandemic. Thanks for any help! 

Jeremy535897

I can't imagine they'd hold you to it if you were unpaid.

nightstar12

Usually, employers don't give you much notice (if any at all) of redundancy or being laid off, so I doubt you'd have to give notice yourself. I don't think it counts as 'unpaid leave' if you're laid off as its basically the same as being fired. Your employer should be able to furlough you and if he refuses you need to contact citizens advice asap. Its up to you if you want to work. If you're worried about pay and you feel safe enough to work then I don't see why not. If you check the citizens advice coronavirus page it has some advice for employees who get laid off or made redundant (sorry, I'm not allowed to post links since I'm still new to the forum!) Good luck whatever happens!