Desperate help needed! My employer has rejected furlough request

Lu1

If your manager refuses to give you HR details or those of her line manager I would consider raising a concern officially. I'm assuming you receive either tax credits for the children or Universal Credit? Make sure if you are that you keep the DWP - if its UC you claim - up to date with any change in your circumstances. Lastly have you checked any paperwork you have for payroll contact details? If your manager is being obstructive and there is a chance management would be prepared to furlough you if they were aware of your circumstances, they may be a good point of contact.

BrassicWoman

Care homes are busier than ever and generally won’t be furloughing anyone. They still have to pay holiday pay and other costs while you’re furloughed so it is not cost neutral, despite what is written. And they have to not discriminate when granting it; only mums/carers? That’s discrimination. It’s a minefield for them. Which doesn’t help you at all, but perhaps explains a little?

Nebulous2

I’m not sure what you mean about your husband and him working away? 

Could he get home at weekends to let you do a couple of nights for instance? Care homes are generally short of staff, nights are difficult to fill and it’s likely they would take anything you could offer. 

TheAble

As a matter of interest how did you handle the childcare before all the covid stuff started?

whizzywoo

TheAble said:

As a matter of interest how did you handle the childcare before all the covid stuff started?

OP mentions grandparents in their first post, but these are high risk and so isolating or shielding.

TheAble

A very difficult situation. Some general advice to get you through this:
1. Make sure you're claiming everything you are entitled to;
2. Scrutinise your outgoings and cut anything that's not essential. The key is to preserve as much cash as you can
3. When you're down to the last 5 weeks or so of your mortgage holiday it is vital you speak to your lender and explain the situation. I feel they will be sympathetic as lots of people are going through this. Ask if you can go interest-only for a few months until things return to normal. Failing that, calculate what you can reasonably afford every month and offer that as a payment. Whatever you do don't default - speak to them and pay what you can. 
Best of luck and hang in there

kingfisherblue

Your local council will be able to advise you of any nurseries and childminders that are available. Most private nurseries have closed in my town, but there are two 'emergency nurseries' I believe, for children of people still required to work.

whizzywoo

If you are claiming tax credits be very careful if you decide to change to Universal Credit because applying for Universal Credit will STOP your tax credits immediately and there is no way back to them.

lincroft1710

As you have less than 2 years service, do be very careful that you do not upset anyone higher up the chain. They could dismiss you without reason and in these uncertain times, it would quite easy to replace you

[Deleted User]

I really sympathise but from what I understand the furlough scheme is for employers to claim for employees when they are prevented from carrying on working by law?   So that doesn't apply to your care home.   It is your own personal circumstances that are preventing you from working.  Have you checked on what else you may be entitled to in the circumstances?   It obviously is means tested so if your total income exceeds the benefits limit you won't be entitled to anything.   I would contact your bank or whoever your mortgage is with to see if there is any way you can reduce your mortgage payments short term?