Furlough Fraud

Daz147

A quick question, what would stop an employer claiming that they have furloughed staff to get the 80% of wages, then topping up the wages to 100% whilst the employees carry on working as normal, say from home?
This seems open to fraud.

[Deleted User]

 Already had a few posts on here saying that's happening in their workplace 

epm-84

The employer has to send a letter to the employee confirming the furlough status, which the employee has to sign to confirm.  If these aren't done then in theory the government could reject applications for grants and if the letters been done fraudulently then criminal action could be taken further down the line. 

Obviously if an employee signs a letter saying they are furloughed they must refuse to work until their employer ends the furlough period.

essdee86

This is exactly what my employer wants to do. I do not want to be involved but also can't afford to lose my job.
Can anyone advise on potential implications for individuals?

nick74

There will quite likely be no implications for the individuals. It's the employer who will make the claim to the government and the employer should be adhering to the rules. 

Tigerchops

I was furloughed after working a full month. I've received my pay slip for this month and even tho I have a full months attendance I have 2 weeks furlough pay showing on my pay slip. 
How can this be correct. 
Also , overtime that I worked during the second half of the month has been removed and I've only received furlough pay for the last 2 weeks. 
I was furloughed on the 15 by which time I had worked my full amount of contracted hours for the months wage period .

Comms69

What stops this? Well for any competent employer whats stops it is the potential power imbalance, where your employee can basically dictate terms to you, as the alternative is a call to HMRC...