can my new employer put me on furlough as old employer is refusing?

savingsavy

Hello, 
I left my previous job on 6 March to take a new job where I've been made redundant this week because due to the Coronavirus my new company is putting everyone on furlough but I don't qualify. I've gone back to my previous employer as I was on their payroll on the 28 February but they refused to re-employ me to put me on furlough due to the 'extra paperwork' and the fear that the government won't pay them the furlough money so they'll be out of pocket. I have told them that I am happy to wait for the government to pay them the furlough money so they can pay me but they won't budge. My old employers did offered me a slight payrise to keep me but I declined it and left. I did give and work my full notice and left on amiable terms. I suspect that the boss is getting back at me. 

Is there nothing else I can do? Can I apply for furlough directly from the government? My new employer whose had no choice but to make me redundant would keep me if furlough was an option for me. Is it possible for them to apply for furlough for me if my old employers refused?

I am in my 30s with children, I am half-way through a degree and I left my old job for a better job with more pay. I've always worked and paid tax and NI for the last 15yrs+.  It is rather unfair that I can qualify for furlough as per the government's guidelines but cannot receive it as my previous employers wants chose not to. 

bradders1983

No an employer is under no legal complusion to furlough anyone. No you cannot apply direct from HMRC.

sharpe106

I doubt they are doing it just to get back at you. Yes the government have said that companies can re-employ old staff for furlough but have not stated how this would work and the advice leaves plenty of grey areas that most companies would not be willing to risk it.

Mrsn

Your ex employer is looking out for their interests in the long run, we still don’t know exactly the ins and outs of the scheme and they have decided (which is completely their right to do so) that it isn’t viable to do so. It isn’t a reflection on you or your circumstances but more they still have to operate the best they can and fairly to their current employees.

Have you applied or already receiving universal credit? This will help bridge the gap in finances. Your local council may also be able to help with schemes that they are running.

savingsavy

Thank you for your reply. It does help me. As I've been doubting myself and wondering if I've done anything wrong or there is something else I should have done. 

I have applied for Universal credit, still waiting on that. My husband does earn over £24k so I don't know if we'll get any.

Our finances are not healthy. With the help of MSE my husband and I have been sorting our finances out this last year making good progress until this happened.