Return from furlough

J50

Hi all

So I was furloughed three weeks ago, my partner was sent home two weeks ago for 12 weeks as she is high risk.

Two days ago I got a call from work asking me to return.

Id just like so advice on where I stand, my partner is high risk and I’m worried about bringing it home to them.

thanks 

poppy12345

Lots of people have to work and they live with someone that's high risk but they take extra precautions when returning home, such as only wearing the same shoes to work and removing them before going in. Removing clothes and putting them straight into the wash, showering/bathing and wiping down all surfaces you've touched.

poppet17

We have the same problem - I understand that it is not about the precautions we take it is about the precautions others do or do not take - if another member of staff has the virus but does not know they have it - it can potentially be passed on to you and you could therefore potentially pass it on to you partner - so therefore it would be beneficial for you both to remain at home - so the question therefore is can you legally remain furloughed because of this risk.

calcotti

poppet17 said:

... can you legally remain furloughed because of this risk.

Yes if your employer chooses to keep you furloughed. It is their choice whether they offer it, your choice is whether or not to accept furlough if offered.

in terms of spreading the virus it would be beneficial if we all stayed home - that isn’t practical.

J50

Thanks for the replies, I have told my manager that my partner is high risk and I didn’t receive much back.
im not a key worker so I’m confused why I have to be in work anyway. 9 staff have been furloughed and 3 of us have been asked to return as we are “needed”

unforeseen

I am on 12 week lock down. My wife is carrying on working. She works in a care home so probably has more risk than the average Joe in more mainstream employment. 

You just have to be very stringent with your hygiene as poppy12345 says. I am now in a separate bedroom and haven't been within 6ft of my wife for the last 4 weeks. 

Lots of people are managing quite well.
If you have been asked back then there is obviously work for you. There is the very real danger that if you refuse then your employer will end your furlough anyway for refusing to come back to work. 

J50

so if I refused to go back I wouldn’t get furlough pay

Could they sack me ?

poppy12345

poppet17 said:

We have the same problem - I understand that it is not about the precautions we take it is about the precautions others do or do not take - if another member of staff has the virus but does not know they have it - it can potentially be passed on to you and you could therefore potentially pass it on to you partner - so therefore it would be beneficial for you both to remain at home - so the question therefore is can you legally remain furloughed because of this risk.

Strict hygiene rules can still be maintained...

J50

poppy12345 said:

poppet17 said:

We have the same problem - I understand that it is not about the precautions we take it is about the precautions others do or do not take - if another member of staff has the virus but does not know they have it - it can potentially be passed on to you and you could therefore potentially pass it on to you partner - so therefore it would be beneficial for you both to remain at home - so the question therefore is can you legally remain furloughed because of this risk.

Strict hygiene rules can still be maintained...

what if people don’t abide by these rules
and what if your not a key worker and shouldn’t really be at work anyway ?

poppy12345

It's still your employers decision whether they furlough you or not.

LilElvis

J50 said:

poppy12345 said:

poppet17 said:

We have the same problem - I understand that it is not about the precautions we take it is about the precautions others do or do not take - if another member of staff has the virus but does not know they have it - it can potentially be passed on to you and you could therefore potentially pass it on to you partner - so therefore it would be beneficial for you both to remain at home - so the question therefore is can you legally remain furloughed because of this risk.

Strict hygiene rules can still be maintained...

what if people don’t abide by these rules
and what if your not a key worker and shouldn’t really be at work anyway ?

Why shouldn't you be at work? Only certain businesses were required to close but otherwise the economy is expected to carry on as normal if at all possible.