NHS Employee on Long-term Sick - Could They Be Furloughed?

clare1angel

Hello everyone,

My husband works for the NHS and has been off sick since August 2019 due to an ongoing health issue.

The health issue led to an operation which unfortunately didn't go as planned so he is still off.

He was due to be having further treatment in March but all of those appointments were cancelled due to the virus and rightly so.

He is currently on half pay and this is due to finish in about 3 months.

It's very hard to get hold of anyone at the moment as obviously some staff are off work and the rest are very busy.

That's why I'm reaching out on here to see if anyone knows if him being furloughed now is a possibility?

How would that work with his sickness if he could?

Any other information or help would be very much appreciated!

Thank you 🙂

BrassicWoman

The NHS are unable to furlough people because they are publicly funded. So the usual sick pay policy will apply.

Mrsn

As Brassic Woman says it is not an option.

The NHS cannot access the scheme and honestly even if they could I doubt very much they would need to use it because of the vital service they are providing at this time.

I would suggest that you look at benefit entitlement calculators such as entitled to or turn2us if you are financially going to struggle once the half pay finishes.

clare1angel

Thank you both for you replies I do appreciate it.

He's basically been told that unless there's a change in situation between now and when the half pay finishes then he either has a ill health capability meeting or signs a waiver to basically end his employment.

He cannot help it that appointments have been cancelled and his treatment is on hold just the same as the NHS cannot help that this situation has occurred.

It's more the fact of his employment coming to an end in such an abrupt way and him not having the chance to potentially go back at all.

Thank you again for the replies 🙂

BrassicWoman

is he entitled to holidays he's accrued? not much but it may help a little.

clare1angel

He's had all of last years holidays paid this month.

Like I say I understand that this situation isn't their fault or my husbands but would just be nice if he could be given some extra time once his treatment starts.

We'll see what happens but thank you again for replying.

Clare

LilElvis

Has he consulted his union for advice?

calcotti

Has he looked at claiming new style ESA? https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance
He is entitled to claim this from the date his SSP entitlement ended (after 28 weeks of sickness). Although he is getting contractual sick pay he can still claim new style ESA. If you are claiming UC there may be no point because the ESA will be deducted from the UC.

clare1angel

He's not in a union and thanks for that I'm currently having a check on any benefits he may be able to get.

Thank you