Working full time from home

Toddtracy

I was sent home on 24th March to work from home full time 8am-5pm Monday to Friday along with another colleague as we only work in a small office so social distancing was not possible. Both of us were under the impression that our wages would be unaffected as other workers have been furloughed on 80% and are not working at all, so we have also got their work to do as well. Just before our wages were due at the end of April we were informed indirectly I might add, that all of the staff were on 80% whether working full time and/or furloughed. Is this legal, should we have been asked and allowed to consent to this reduction. I am returning to the office tomorrow and wanted to ask my employer if he is correct in what he is doing, or do I risk being made redundant if he deems it within his power to do so. He did mention that it may only be for April and May salaries and he will repay the 20% but he has not yet stated how and when this balance will be returned to us. Slightly confused as to our rights as working our butts off for less money at the moment.

sharpe106

You have to agree to be furloughed so as you have not then you can refuse. He will still owe you the money you have already worked but what happens after that will be up to your manager.

Grumpy_chap

As sharpe106 said, you have to agree to be furloughed.
If you are furloughed, you cannot do work for the company.
If you are working for the company, your contract of employment stands, which governs how you are paid and whether they can make deductions.

bluep

We are all working from home and my employer has reduced us to 80% pay (not furlough) but it also meant going onto 80% hours and signing a consent letter saying we agreed to the temporary change in employment for April, May and June.  Partners in the firm were reduced to 80% but told they were expected to still work full hours in order to invest in the business.