Lay offs during furlough period

aevo79

Hi everyone. 
I just have a query regarding the potential for my employers to lay employees off to avoid having to contribute towards the wages when the changes come in in August. Basically, there are several of us currently furloughed and we have been told that, rather than contribute towards our wage as per government guidence, they will bring us back in to work and lay us off without pay. In normal circumstances, when work is quiet, they do lay people off with no pay so there is a precident for lay offs but, obviously this is a different situation and we would still be in the job retention scheme period so would they legally be allowed to do what they have suggested? Have had a look but can't find anything on any guidence myself. 
Cheers. 

mattyprice4004

Yes they would - furlough is optional on the part of the employer, so if they decide to bring staff back from furlough it's business as usual.

No staff have a right to furlough, the employer holds all the cards. Sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear. 

sharpe106

As you say your contract has that clause so they can. 

aevo79

Thanks for the quick responses. That's not good news but better to be prepared. Hopefully it won't come to that. 

Grumpy_chap

Yes, this is a bit harsh, but if there is no work, the employer can either use the furlough scheme (which will cost money) or use layoff (which won't cost money).

Hopefully, by then, there will be work so the issue will not arise.