volunteering during furlough

ian708

The company i am furloughed from recently sent an email saying it could start asking employees to volunteer so as a company we hit the ground running when lock down is lifted. We would still be volunteer working in our own departments, doing the roles and tasks we would be doing if not furloughed but for 80% wage. Although i have no problem doing this and can totally see their point, are there any restrictions as to what we can do and for how long is a fair volunteering period before it becomes a urine extraction experiment. We are in hospitality so the jobs that would be covered are grounds maintenance, house keeping, stock takes,deep cleaning etc not manufacture for profit as per guide lines.

Jeremy535897

You cannot do any work for your employer during your furlough. Volunteering does not cover doing your existing job. See guidance:

"Once you are on furlough you will not be able to work for your employer. You can undertake training or volunteer subject to public health guidance, as long as you’re not:

• making money for your employer or a company linked or associated to your employer
• providing services to your employer or a company linked or associated to your employer"

Andy_L

"Once you are on furlough you will not be able to work for your employer. You can ..volunteer ..as long as you’re not:

making money for your employer ... [or] providing services to your employer or a company linked or associated to your employer"
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme#while-youre-on-furlough

sharpe106

They are trying to get round the scheme by calling it volunteering but you can't volunteer to work for your employer, as they will be benefiting. Volunteering is also something you want to do, either the help others out or things you enjoy. Do you really want to volunteer doing them jobs to save the company money?