Can I claim furlough from my previous employer?

sarex25

I am hoping someone might be able to clarify for me? I gave my notice on 23rd March at my previous job as I was due to start a new role on 14th April, however the new company cannot take me on until after the lockdown restrictions are lifted. I've never really been unemployed but I am effectively at present, I have no income and no savings to fall back on. As I was still employed on 28th Feb am I entitled to claim any furlough from my previous employer? I think I may be a little optimistic but you dont know unless you ask! 

poppy12345

All you can do is ask them but be prepared for the answer to be a no.

sharpe106

It is in the rules, so good luck.

sarex25

Well I have taken the bull by the horns and formally requested the furlough via my previous employer, here's hoping! Thank you for your replies, it helped me to confirm what I thought I understood and gave me the confidence to at least request it.

Galloglass

I gave my notice on 23rd March at my previous job as I was due to start a new role on 14th April

Has your old job been filled as this is a job preservation scheme. Also if they do take you back are you likely to stay in the role or will you move on again? Probably two questions your ex-employer will be asking when looking at your request.

7Phil

sarex25 said:

Well I have taken the bull by the horns and formally requested the furlough via my previous employer, here's hoping! Thank you for your replies, it helped me to confirm what I thought I understood and gave me the confidence to at least request it.

It is a pity you found out about this after you finished your job on the 23rd as you've technically left their employment, and as such they owe you nothing (especially if they have issued your final pay, etc). I can imagine it takes some courage to go back to them and ask - but if you all left on good terms then there's a chance.
If they say no then that's a definite no but your other avenue is to pursue the prospective employer for a better response.

If you have an official agreement from them for you to start your on a set date (and there are no conditions outlined in that letter of offer) then it's really hard for the employer to back away from that.
If it was all done through verbal promises and whatnot, then you'll have a harder time arguing your position to them. In that case, you'll probably now know it's a lesson to learn about leaving your current role on such an insecure basis.
If you can't get back on the old employer's books then get some more advice about the failure for the new employer to meet their agreement with you. They cannot furlough you and claim your wage under the JRS (as you weren't on the payroll as of 19 March) but they may still agree to honour their agreement and furlough you out of their own pocket. You might need to come to an agreement about that as you aren't guaranteed 80%. But anything is better than nothing!

Be interesting to know how you get on from both sides.