Applying for jobs on furlough - will my new employer know I'm on furlough?

scontent

Hi all,

I got furloughed from my sales job which was min wage + commission. So now I only get 750 quid a month or so, not enough to live on.

I had a telephone interview with a job which was helping the government with something. The lady on the phone basically said they cannot hire me because I'm on furlough, and already "receiving money from the government".

I am sending all my new job applications off pretending I am unemployed to avoid this discrimination.

My question is, will my new employer ever know? Is there any way they would find out? Via tax codes or anything?

bradders1983

There is notthing stopping you getting a second job whilst on furlough as long as your contact with Job 1 allows it. Although it would be classed as a second job, and taxed accordingly.

sharpe106

It is not discrimination, the government would not want to pay you twice. They are already paying you furlough so why would they then employ you?

adamp87

Potentially you are lying so could be fired I suppose for that. There’s normally something in your contract too about having a second job and needing to tell them/ask permission. 

But would they find out in that time. Got to assess the risk. Probably a risk your job may not be there when you get off furlough too to be fair in some sectors.

Mrsn

There are plenty of people currently on furlough who have managed to get a second job.

Lying that you are currently unemployed could potentially backfire on you. It might be that particular organisation didn’t wish to use current furloughed employees because they can be recalled at very little notice and used the pay thing as an excuse. 

You do also need to check your current employment contract to see if they have any clauses in regarding 2nd jobs.

sharpe106

I think except for the government nobody else for a temporary will care if you are furloughed or not. 

neilmcl

So what happens when the potential new employer asks for your references from your current employer. It'll all start to unravel then don't your think. If you're after a 2nd job then be upfront with them, and your current employer for that matter.

Dottydoolay

I have found this a few times it could be simply that initial job training is government funded on a back to work basis so they can’t accept furloughed workers as they are not actually unemployed.
Its not discrimination it’s just unfortunate that some job opportunities have funding criteria.
You must be honest on applications as lying will surely catch up with you and lead to dismissal if you were to be successful.