Second job - furlough restrictions?

sw1991

I have been furloughed since April 1st, I would like to use my time & work in a care home. My company have stipulated in my contract that my contracted hours are 9-5 Monday-Friday, I have asked for flexibility in this (we accepted reduced hours before being furloughed - feel we have already been quite flexible as employees). The new role is not conflicting with my furloughed role in any way.
They released this statement to us yesterday - 'the direction we have been given by the government is that this must be outside of the normal hours you work' . I have scoured the HMRC website & cannot find any information on this matter, nor have any advice websites published this information. In fact, on yourmoney.com just today the following was quoted: 'Second jobs will not affect the employer’s ability to claim under the government scheme', I have requested clarity from my employer & the most they have given me is that I need to be ready to return to work immediately. 
I have informed the new employer of being unable to work 9-5, however I feel something is amiss with the information I have been given?

neilmcl

As far as HMRC are concerned there is no restriction regarding taking a 2nd job, the restrictions are purely down to your employer but be aware that furlough is optional as far as your employer is concerned and they can cancel it if they so choose.

sw1991

Thanks - I think they may have worded the statement in a peculiar way. 

yksi

If your contract has no restrictions such as banning you from working for a competitor, you are free to work any & all hours you like for someone else and it is none of your first employer's business. Simply do not tell them. The only thing you must do is to make your new employer aware that you are furloughed and could be recalled at any moment - you should do this as a courtesy in case you get very short notice to go back to your other job.

sw1991

I am confused as to why they have stipulated the so called 'HMRC restrictions' on working hours. I can only think it is so we are available to work immediately if the business restarts, however the new role is zero hours & flexible. Still even so I would hope we have at least a few days notice of going back to work.