Furloughed but training

heatherc94

Hi looking for some advice, i was brought back to work 2 and half weeks agos to do some "training" whilst still being furloughed.  
I am doing actual work (not just sitting taking notes) i have log ins to websites, i am answering calls, using the companies system, processing orders etc. Is this legal? I also know i was brought back because a lady needed help in that department but they've worded it as "training". Could anyone share their thoughts on this?

poppy12345

While you're furloughed you're not supposed to do any work for that employer.

nyermen

I understood receiving training may be okay (correct me?), I'd have thought if so that giving training is a grey area, and "while you're here, could you fulfil these orders, answer the phone, etc etc" a definite no no?

Jeremy535897

The amended Treasury Direction says:
"6.8 Study or training undertaken must be disregarded for the purposes of paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 [ie is allowed] if-
(a) the purpose of the study or training is to improve-
 (i) an employee’s effectiveness in the employer’s business, or
 (ii) the performance of the employer’s business,
(b) except as generally improving an employee’s effectiveness in, or the performance of, an employer’s business, the study or training does not directly-
 (i) provide a service to the employer or the business activities of the employer, or
 (ii) contribute to the business activities of the employer or anything generating income or profit for the employer, and
(c) the study or training undertaken does not directly contribute to any significant degree-
 (i) in the production of goods the employer intends to supply to another person as part of the making of a supply of goods or services for a consideration to that person, or
 (ii) in the making to any person of a supply of services for a consideration by the employer.
6.9 References to “employer” in paragraphs 6.8(b) and 6.8(c) include a person connected with the employer."

heatherc94

Jeremy535897 said:

The amended Treasury Direction says:
"6.8 Study or training undertaken must be disregarded for the purposes of paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 [ie is allowed] if-
(a) the purpose of the study or training is to improve-
 (i) an employee’s effectiveness in the employer’s business, or
 (ii) the performance of the employer’s business,
(b) except as generally improving an employee’s effectiveness in, or the performance of, an employer’s business, the study or training does not directly-
 (i) provide a service to the employer or the business activities of the employer, or
 (ii) contribute to the business activities of the employer or anything generating income or profit for the employer, and
(c) the study or training undertaken does not directly contribute to any significant degree-
 (i) in the production of goods the employer intends to supply to another person as part of the making of a supply of goods or services for a consideration to that person, or
 (ii) in the making to any person of a supply of services for a consideration by the employer.
6.9 References to “employer” in paragraphs 6.8(b) and 6.8(c) include a person connected with the employer."

Thank you, so i understand that training is to improve mine or the employers efficiency but im directly providing a service and its contributing to the businesses activity. 

sharpe106

Basically yes, they are trying to get you to work under the pretence of training.