Back to work full time after being furloughed but still only being paid 80% of my wage

jessicadams13

My friend works for an estate agents and was furloughed when we initially went into lockdown and was receiving 80% of her wage through the government. 2 weeks ago she was asked to come back to work full time which she agreed to but not all staff are back to work and some are still on furlough. Last week she was informed she would still only be paid 80% of her wage by the company to make it fair on the other employees still on furlough. She spends approximately £200 a month on petrol getting to and from work so now she is struggling for money without the extra 20% of her wage and now the petrol costs. Are her company allowed to have her working back full time and only pay her 80%? She would be better off furloughed money wise at the moment.

Jeremy535897

The problem is that her contract of employment was probably amended to reduce her pay, on a temporary basis, to what the employer could recover under CJRS, and she will have agreed to it. Until that contract is amended to move pay back up to what it was, the reduced pay level stands, whether furloughed or working.

dunstonh

The furlough letter she was issued with at the start of furlough should give details of the amendment of her terms of employment and when the amendment ends.  It should have a section on when Furlough ends.

The amendment letters I have seen have all stated that the reduction is for the period of furlough only.   So, She needs to look at her contract amendment letter.  

sharpe106

The furlough scheme was never about making employees better off. But as above would depend on the contract and what it says for when furloughed ended. 

adamp87

jessicadams13 said:

My friend works for an estate agents and was furloughed when we initially went into lockdown and was receiving 80% of her wage through the government. 2 weeks ago she was asked to come back to work full time which she agreed to but not all staff are back to work and some are still on furlough. Last week she was informed she would still only be paid 80% of her wage by the company to make it fair on the other employees still on furlough. She spends approximately £200 a month on petrol getting to and from work so now she is struggling for money without the extra 20% of her wage and now the petrol costs. Are her company allowed to have her working back full time and only pay her 80%? She would be better off furloughed money wise at the moment.

Has she spoke to her employer? Seems the easiest option.

Arguably it’s not fair that she is coming into work, working for only 80%. If she just mentions her travel costs they can either say yes or no.

sharpe106

Also as the company said it was to make it fair for those on furlough ask them why it is fair them to stay at home and do nothing whilst you work full time hours for the same money.