Money Moral Dilemma: Should I take my job back after being let go when lockdown began?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My employer refused to furlough me, saying it couldn't afford to pay 80% of my salary until Government help came through, and put me on a one-week notice. With the lockdown rules easing slightly in our part of the country, I've now been offered my job back. While I need the money, should I go back when I'd be worrying about job security – as if the lockdown is tightened again or the business struggles, it could do the same thing again? Or should I look for a job elsewhere, where I may feel more secure? 

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. 

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gary83

God these moral dilemmas are getting worse every week.

if they started a new job elsewhere they’d be ineligible for furlough due to not meeting the RTI requirement by March 19th so why would they feel more secure elsewhere? If they need the money then the answer is not to look a gift horse in the mouth. they can continue to look for work elsewhere, but Seeing as the job market is going to inevitably be a lot more competitive they may as well return to work whilst they can.

Grumpy_chap

I am not sure what the question is, or where there is a dilemma.

• OP needs the money so needs to go back.
• If the OP remains worried about job security, they could still look for employment elsewhere.

Am I missing a reason why "do both" is not the obvious thing here?

If the OP is feeling brave, the could have another discussion about being retrospectively put on furlough and waiting to be paid that when the employer receives the grant from HMRC.

mobilejo

Surely this isn't a question asked by a real person?

Where is the dilemma? Do work, get paid, keep looking for something better. It isn't a question of morals.

Middlestitch

What's the dilemma? Take the job and look for something else.

[Deleted User]

I know stranger things are happening but only you know the people/company you work in and whether the business model is a serious one and likely to survive. 
If you aren't getting job offers else where, why not risk it till they do another 'flake'.
Personally I'd be inclined to say my rates have gone up ha! (or down! to ensure job security however you feel) or I'll come back for x amount of time only!! as it was the business letting you down previously, rather then likes of resigning. Though they must have thought a lot to get you back as opposed to picking up a temp possibly on the cheap, who can also start within hours so it is a bit of a double edged sword I'd warn.
I recall once I went for a permanent job in the sister company of the depot I could happily remember and whilst I didn't get the perm job I did go on to Christmas temp for them when later at a loose end. Saw the person who landed the perm job as miserable as sin whilst I knew in 4 weeks I could get out. 
Long thread here where someone was debating what to do with pretty good advice forthcoming -
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6023271/returning-to-ex-employer#latest

REJP

Agree with other entries.
who really wrote this up as a dilemma?
Go back to work to get paid, but look for a better job.  Then move to it as soon as possible.  Surely you don't want to show loyalty to an employer who refused to help you when the lockdown started?  Such employers don't deserve loyalty.  Loyalty is a two way street after all.

Thrugelmir

Are we living in a world where people have a total inability to think and make even the most basic decisions for themselves?  

laydeeuk1

agree with all. I just signed up to post the obvious answer to this question which is of course to work and look for something else if you want to. But don’t ever think there is such a thing as ‘job security’ any more. Everyone is disposable. If it has happened in dating, as it sadly has, then it has certainly happened in work. That’s the answer to this question. 

 But after I signed up and started searching for this question, I found a question asking what the legal definitions of rape and assault are.  On a money saving forum. Very weird. And worrying. 

I don’t think I’ll be back. 

STContractor

Same thing happened to me! Most contractors were laid off at my place of work. I worked through an agency and they refused to furlough me even though I would have qualified for the scheme. They used the excuse that my contract was no longer needed and as such they wouldn't be able to furlough me as they didn't need me to come back.

I will be using freedom of information to find out if the agency in fact furloughed me and pocketed the money. As I have heard of unscrupulous agency or umbrella companies doing this! There are a lot of companies that profited from the scheme and a lot of workers who simply thrown under the bus! Government should have looked after individual workers first and not put the application to furlough in companies hands. Should have let individuals apply for furlough regardless of their company and be assessed on the tax been paid. This would have been fairer.

thedr

They deserted you in your time of need. So the first thing is, you owe them nothing.

Get your job back and take their money because you need to earn. They're not offering you any job security so look for a new job immediately and get out as quickly as possible. However make sure you don't leap from the fire into the frying pan. Ensure the new job gives you some advantage, e.g. more job security, nicer working environment etc. 

Ditch your old company as quickly as they ditched you, giving minimal contractual notice to quit. Why help them plan ahead by giving them more notice?

Good luck!