Travel Rep entitled to Furlough?

DrowninginDebt

Having worked 5 years for a major travel company, I had received 3 contracts to work on cruises in April, May and August however my employer says they cannot pay furlough as, apart from the Corona virus restrictions, the shipping company have cancelled all cruises for the rest of the year, plus I needed to have been employed for 3 weeks prior to 28 February.  Although my last work assignment was October, I was on a training course which included 28 February and so received salary through PAYE as normal.  Am I enttiled to furlough? Thank you in advance of any advice!

Jeremy535897

Nobody is entitled to be furloughed. It is entirely at the employer's discretion. I don't recognise the relevance of having to be employed for 3 weeks prior to 28 February. If they feel the need to give an excuse not to furlough you, I suggest you enquire as to where this 3 week rule comes from, as you understood that you just had to be on the payroll at 28 February 2020.

DrowninginDebt

Many thanks, Jeremy, for replying - much appreciated!  I too did not understand the 3 week qualification period! So I am guessing that my company has chosen not to furlough those with future fixed term contracts, and we just have to wait until travel is allowed and we can work again! Stay safe and well!

Jeremy535897

Unfortunately it is at their discretion. Good luck.

DrowninginDebt

Hi, following on from my earlier post, my next fixed term contract for a major travel company would have been 25 May - 22 June - this was to be for a different position to that worked in the same period last year.  My company is now to Furlough however am I right in thinking it will just be for the 4 weeks of the FX contract, but at the salary I received for the same period last year, which was at a lower salary? Thanks in advance!

Jeremy535897

The period your company furloughs you for is at their discretion. Your reference salary for the next and any future furlough periods is the higher of your average monthly wages for 2019/20, and the equivalent calendar period in the previous year.

DrowninginDebt

Once again, Jeremy, many thanks for your assistance.  Stay safe and well!