Cannot receive furlough, universal credit or any other financial help

jennyturner344

My new employer said that because I started working in the middle of the month, I would receive my February pay along with March on March 27th. Thus, the eligibility date on March 19th has resulted in me missing out because my employer did not put me on the payroll system until after this date. Before this date was announced I actually signed to agree to be placed on the furlough scheme so it wasn’t until 3 weeks ago that I was told I was not eligible. My employer was very late in letting me know. I approached my previous employer who are refusing to put me into their payroll for furlough as well. As I am a student, I am not eligible for universal credit. There are no more options left for me and I would like advice. 

Jeremy535897

You are entitled to be paid what your contract of employment says, as amended for furlough. What your employer can recover is not relevant, unless the furlough terms say they will pay you nothing if they can't claim CJRS for you.

As you have been employed for only a short time, unfortunately you have no significant rights if they decide to let you go (a week's notice) or put you on unpaid leave. Are your parents able to offer you any support? If not, all you can do is look for another job that pays.

poppy12345

Students can't claim New style JSA or UC unless they receive a disability benefit such as PIP or DLA.. Have you contacted your employer to ask when you'll be returning to work?

jennyturner344

My furlough terms say nothing about paying me nothing so what can i take forward to my employer? I didn't even agree to unpaid leave in writing. All my employer has said is they have had no guidance in Scotland when the property market will open up so no idea as to when/if I return to work.

My other concern is if my colleagues are on furlough, my employer will be bringing them back first as they will only have to pay 50% of their salary as per government guidelines as opposed to 100% of my salary. So if they let me go in a few months time when i have been on unpaid leave the whole time. What are my rights?

jennyturner344

I was told by my employer right at the start of covid19 that I couldn't be put on unpaid leave, then suddenly i was because I am not eligible for furlough. Is this allowed? Do I have any argument?

Jeremy535897

I explained what your rights are as a newly employed person: one week's notice, unless your contract of employment says otherwise. Why can your employer not put you on unpaid leave? You can take that up with them, but the response might simply be to let you go.