Furlough: how much notice to return

sbylouk

@Grumpy_chap I do over think things. I agree. 

Usually my employer will issue vague guidance which we will try and follow. When we don’t follow it quite to their liking they will claim we broke a rule that they just made up. When we argue that they just made up the rule they will flat out not address the fact they made it up and then try and guilt us for having unreasonable expectations and tell us if we don’t like it there is the door.

So I spend a lot of time second guessing them!

My employer is awful but previous posts will explain why I stick with them.

sbylouk

Just read an article in the Guardian where an ‘expert’ suggests 48 hours is reasonable.

YBR

Some of my colleagues were told straight out at the start of their Furlough that they'd be on 3 days notice to return.
Different situation as they work on sites and not part time, but gives you an idea what another employer thought reasonable (Railway industry)

sbylouk

YBR said:

Some of my colleagues were told straight out at the start of their Furlough that they'd be on 3 days notice to return.
Different situation as they work on sites and not part time, but gives you an idea what another employer thought reasonable (Railway industry)

Thanks, that is helpful. It’s what I came here for.

rosiesposies

I’ve told all my staff I will give them at least 48 hours. I normally let them know late weds or first thing Thursday  they are returning on Monday. I do think that if people are told to be available at a moments notice that could be argued that you are on cal and technically working. 

unholyangel

Gareth_Ainsworth said:

I've just returned from furlough. I was given 3 days notice. I've gone back full time as well so no easing back in. Still, I'd much rather be in a job of course.

Each day, while on furlough, I would turn on my work phone to check emails and make myself available etc incase there was a need to contact me. In the past month we have had weekly catchups. Most days I'd be out walking the dog for hours, shopping etc going about a normal day. If I missed a call (very rare I did get one), I'd call back and they understood I cant just sit by the phone waiting.

If that's true, your employer shouldn't be claiming for you and if they have, they'll need to repay the funds.

Companies were even being instructed (where they sought legal advice) to block employee email access if possible, to stop employees checking work emails and breaching CJRS requirements. 

adamp87

phillw said:

adamp87 said:

To be honest to me calling you the day before during normal working hours say I think would be fair.

Calling you at 7am/8 am to come in for 9 am I think wouldn’t be. 

It would depend on how much good will there was between me and the employer, although it's likely that if they know at 7am then they knew the previous day.
But if they get work in at 10am that needs to be (and can be done that day) & I was able to do start immediately then I'd probably do it. If I had something on then it would depend on how nice they treated me.

I’m of the understanding they ring me tomorrow say come in for Monday that’s more than fine. Essentially furlough is at their discretion.

If it was 10am and they called me to come in at 3pm then I’d probably consider it unreasonable if I didn’t have child care & such sorted, at least 24 hours notice would be fair.

Semple

I think if you're able to work from home, then an hour or twos notice is perfectly acceptable. An immediate start is not realistic. For a start if you've been on furlough since March then you won't have a work area prepped. Also work laptop having been switched off for several months will likely have several updates and a monthly in-depth virus scan, all of which take a bit of time to get into a position to do some work. 

If you're expected on-premise, then I'd probably say half a day's notice would be acceptable. Would give you chance to iron any required uniform, prepare for work as normal. Would also need to consider that you may not have used a car in months which may lead to further delays. 

sbylouk

Semple said:

I think if you're able to work from home, then an hour or twos notice is perfectly acceptable. An immediate start is not realistic. For a start if you've been on furlough since March then you won't have a work area prepped. Also work laptop having been switched off for several months will likely have several updates and a monthly in-depth virus scan, all of which take a bit of time to get into a position to do some work. 

If you're expected on-premise, then I'd probably say half a day's notice would be acceptable. Would give you chance to iron any required uniform, prepare for work as normal. Would also need to consider that you may not have used a car in months which may lead to further delays. 

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me! All things I hadn’t thought of.

sbylouk

Success. Boss managed to get it changed to ‘next day’ which is way better than I was hoping for. If I can starter sooner then that will obviously look good but at least I now know I can plan to do things and not be reprimanded for leaving the house.