Not Furloughed now contract being reduced

Egmoz1

Hi,

Just after some advice. I’m on a zero hours contract but have been working around 30hrs a week for the past 12 months. My employer is not furloughing, however they are now reducing my contract hours down to 20hrs due to the current situation, obviously this will impact my pay. Where do I stand? Can I request furlough even if I’m the only one in a very big organisation? In normal circumstances I know they can reduce a zero hours contract, however can they do this at the moment and choose not to furlough?  

poppy12345

Yes they can. If there's work available then you won't be furloughed. You can look at claiming Universal Credit but whether you're entitled will depend on your circumstances. Use a benefits calculator https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

A claim for UC will end a tax credits claim you may already have. Savings/capital of more than £16,000 will exclude you.

sharpe106

You can ask for furlough but why would they if they had work for you to do? Otherwise everybody would want it. The scheme is to protect jobs. Yes they can reduce hours on a zero hour contract whenever they want, why would now be any different?

How can you be a zero hour contract and have 20 hours contracted hours?