Furlough Questions - Slightly confused by different views

unholyangel

daKlone said:

My opinion is:

1) Yes, you need to agree to be furloughed...but since I assume you have not attended work and have been paid, it would be difficult to argue the point now.

2) Yes, it can be backdated. Did you work on any of the 4 days between the date of furlough and the email?

3) Yes, you can take leave (or be asked to) during a furlough period. You are entitled to 100% wages during the holiday, so the employer must make up the 20% themselves.

The claim can be backdated. The furlough can't. 

Read the directions. An employee is furloughed only if the employer & employee have agreed in writing that they will (future tense, not past) cease all work in relation to their employment. 

daKlone

That's why I asked if OP had worked since the date of furlough.

I know that is not the letter of the guidance but for practical purposes I doubt anyone, even the HMRC, would know the difference if a document was signed after the event when both parties agree to it.

I guess I'm struggling a little with what the OP is looking for. They have been told to stay home on 100% wages, so I'm not sure what the problem is or what other outcome they are trying to get to.

Hagar_uk

daKlone said:

That's why I asked if OP had worked since the date of furlough.

I know that is not the letter of the guidance but for practical purposes I doubt anyone, even the HMRC, would know the difference if a document was signed after the event when both parties agree to it.

I guess I'm struggling a little with what the OP is looking for. They have been told to stay home on 100% wages, so I'm not sure what the problem is or what other outcome they are trying to get to.

To be honest I am pretty happy with how things have gone on. But I like to know if it is all above board or not. Not to cause any issues at work. But may be of use in some future situation..

daKlone

That's totally cool

I guess you get so used to people looking for 'gotchas' and a way to change their situation that it's a bit confusing when someone is happy!