Local Government Denied Furlough Request

burtonjulie

Dear Forum, I hope that you may be able to offer some guidance. My last day of employment working for the Local Government was Saturday 29th February 2020 after 10 years of service. I had given 2 months resignation notice to go self-employed. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 my business has severely declined and therefore approached my last employer (Local Government) as suggested by Central Government guidance, to consider me for furlough. I received an email this morning stating: 
"Unfortunately, the Furlough scheme is not applicable to local Government, therefore the council is not Furloughing current or previous employees."
My question is where do I legally stand? Is this a furlough loop hole which needs to be highlighted and addressed? Surely Local Government should be willingly spearheading the Governments guidance to support all employees, including those which have left within the timeframe.
I look forward to hearing your suggestions and guidance. With many thanks.

gettingtheresometime

I think they are correct - the guidelines clearly state that the furloughing scheme is not expected to be used for public bodies.

The only thing I can suggest is that you look to see if you can apply for Universal Credit.

sharpe106

For some reason the government does not seem that bothered over public sector workers. They are letting the private sector claim for things but are denying it to the public sector. With the way the scheme was originally that made sense but now with all the changes you would have though they would allow the public sector to furlough staff. 

lincroft1710

Suggestions - look at a Benefits Calculator to see what you are able to claim

Guidance -

1. Local government is expected to continue working and not furlough staff

2. Even if it was furloughing, it is entirely the employer's choice whom they do and whom they do not furlough

JayneStanding1973

New furlough has been extended until the 19.03.20, however if you did not get paid before that date then your are not entitled to it?  People on monthly pay and get their first pay for a company on 27.03.20 although commenced employment before 19.03.20 are not entitled to furlough.  Can the date not be re-extended to include people who are on monthly pay?  

daveyjp

Furlough isn't for public servants.  It doesn't save money and it is better to have them available to work in other roles which may be shortstaffed.
Call the Council back and see if your post is still open for you to return to.

poppy12345

JayneStanding1973 said:

New furlough has been extended until the 19.03.20, however if you did not get paid before that date then your are not entitled to it?  People on monthly pay and get their first pay for a company on 27.03.20 although commenced employment before 19.03.20 are not entitled to furlough.  Can the date not be re-extended to include people who are on monthly pay?  

It is unlikely that you will have been on the payroll by 19th March to qualify for furlough but you will need to speak to your employer regarding this. If you were then it's entirely up to your employer whether they furlough you or not.

You won't be furloughed at all if you work for the government, as that's the thread you posted your question on.

burtonjulie

Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions - really appreciate it during this anxious time.

sharpe106

daveyjp said:

Furlough isn't for public servants.  It doesn't save money and it is better to have them available to work in other roles which may be shortstaffed.
Call the Council back and see if your post is still open for you to return to.

How does this scheme save money? Yes how the scheme was originally it made sense not to include the public sector as it was about saving jobs. Now it seems to be more about saving people so the public sector staff are losing out. 

pol57

Hi
I’m in a similar position.
Finished with one LA 12 March - Due to start with another 21 March - New LA said they couldn’t induct me due to distancing rules.
Old LA say they can’t re-Instate as LAs can’t furlough staff.
This would be perfectly acceptable in any other business but not in my case.
Have applied for JSA and writing to MP - worried!

pol57

Hi again
Not very good with this tech but is there some way of measuring how many others are in this position?
Thanks