Going back to work in work vans

markyb77

Hi 

I wonder if you can help me , I work for a construction company , 2weeks ago they have started going back to work , they asked me to go back which I accepted , then the conversation got on to travel an now apparently because I have a work van an share it with one other person (it’s a big box van which you can sit 2 metres apart ) they are now telling me I can’t go back to work because it’s company policy only 1 person per van , I know the government guide lines are sketchy in the wording an other firms are doing 2 men per van , I don’t have any other transport to get to work so they are keeping me on furlough an employing agency people instead , can they do this because I think this bad an kinda feels like a punishment as they are using the excuse we can’t get to work so we are furloughed  ,as in my eyes we can get to work by government guide lines 
 Thanks
mark

sharpe106

What is the other person you are sharing the van with doing ?

markyb77

We are both groundworkers and The other person is on furlough ,forgot to mention we are P.a.y.e too 

Grumpy_chap

It is probably in you interest to pro-actively work up solutions and show that you are keen to get back to work as soon as possible.  If you are in contact with your work mate, try to discuss with him also about ways you could both get back to work and satisfy the coronavirus-compliant work place.  You might not have a separate vehicle available, but your work mate may do so, which would allow you to both travel separately.  Or, how are the agency staff  meeting this requirement.  It is always good to look like you are hungry for the work - furlough is not 'free' to the employer.

diggingdude

Wear masks?

markyb77

Does anyone know if an employer can keep there PAYE men furloughed In construction whilst employing agency staff in there place to keep sites going ? Surely they cannot do this? 

sharpe106

There is nothing against the rules for this.  The question might be why. Although it could be as they don't have enough work to pay you full time only need a few hours here and there so it is better for you to stay furloughed.