School refuses to Furlough

Leapo

I have worked on a zero hours contract for my school since April 2013, in the last 2 years as a Cover Supervisor, paid directly by the school on PAYE.  I average approx 68 hours per month on an "as needed" basis, from just 1 lesson a day to a max of 5 lessons, sometimes being called in with only 30 minutes notice.  The school have told me they are not furloughing any staff at present.  As they are a state school and have already received the Government grants for staffing, should they be paying me?  If so, how can I ensure they support me financially. Thank you.

gary83

Blunt answer You’re not going to like, you cant ensure they support you financially. furlough is entirely optional at the employers discretion. In addition your zero hours contract means just that, you aren’t guaranteed any work from them from month to month. 

Unfortunately you’ll need to look at Universal Credit if you have savings of under £16,000

Leapo

Hi Gary, thanks for your reply.  I don't think state schools can furlough as they have already been given the grant for staff pay.  I was interested to know if they have a moral, or legal, obligation to pay me as they have already received the money for me.  I have had a number of pre booked, full days work cancelled and generally work every week during term time.  Many zero hour contract workers are receiving support based on an average of their pay over the last 12 months or Feb pay last year.

lincroft1710

"Moral obligations" do not exist, only legal ones in employment and related legislation

sharpe106

Very few people ever accused the state of having morals 

Leapo

If the school has already been given the Government grant for staff pay, and they don't pass that on to staff, presume they are able to use the money I would have been paid elsewhere in the school?

sharpe106

Probably can

Nelly18130

I am currently furloughed from work, this happened on March 26th. How ever  I received my text from the Government on the 7th of April to say that I must follow the shielding for 12 weeks due to an underlying medical condition. If my work starts back in the next few weeks do I stay on the furlough scheme?

Mrsn

Nelly18130 said:

I am currently furloughed from work, this happened on March 26th. How ever  I received my text from the Government on the 7th of April to say that I must follow the shielding for 12 weeks due to an underlying medical condition. If my work starts back in the next few weeks do I stay on the furlough scheme?

At your employers discretion you may be able too or they may choose to pay you SSP it’s their decision. You would be best asking them directly so you know where you stand.