Can a 17 year old be furloughed?

LindaBoy

My grandson who is 17 was originally put on sick leave by his company about 3 weeks ago.  He received 2 payments of £90+ but nothing this last week.  He has contacted the company to ask what's happening as he's OK now and they've not replied to his telephone call or his text.  He was on the payroll on the 28th February but because of his age he cannot carry out lone working which we believe the rest of the company are doing nor can he drive one of their vans and can't use his car as he doesn't have the correct insurance.  What should he do?

yksi

Is his regular work available - the job he was actually doing before Coronavirus? If that's the work that others are doing solo, he could potentially be furloughed, but that's at the discretion of the employer and they do not have to offer it. As to whether they have to keep him employed or offer him work at all now, that will depend on his contract. Can he try contacting their accounts person by email?

kingfisherblue

My son, although slightly older, is a trainee at his company. He cannot carry out the testing alone. All trainees at his site have been furloughed. Other staff have not been furloughed, but they are able to complete all aspects of the job, rather than a limited amount of tasks.

LindaBoy

yksi said:

Is his regular work available - the job he was actually doing before Coronavirus? If that's the work that others are doing solo, he could potentially be furloughed, but that's at the discretion of the employer and they do not have to offer it. As to whether they have to keep him employed or offer him work at all now, that will depend on his contract. Can he try contacting their accounts person by email?

Yes his work is available but not to him given the circumstances.  I'll try the email what is bad is that they're not letting him know as he could get another job.  His contract is for 40 hours as a labourer.