Furloughed and un-furloughed same day?

jamie640

Hi all,
My employer is asking me to do an hour here and 4 hours another day, and nothing the next day etc... I'm working from home, and on a salary. I've had nothing in writing to say that im on or off furlough, and I'm getting a bit annoyed. Its frustrating as during working hours, I feel as though I'm chained to the computer, just in case work ask me to do a job. Also, as im on salary, I've never had to count my hours, so its frustrating, because I usually get paid the same rate regardless of hours. But now im doing completely random hours based on the companies needs and only being paid for exactly what I work.
Is this OK for my employer to do? 
Thanks.

jimkelly

Yes, it is - as long as you have it in writing the hours/days you are (flexible) furloughed.

dunstonh

Its frustrating as during working hours, I feel as though I'm chained to the computer, just in case work ask me to do a job.

During working hours and being paid, you are expected to be on call by the employer.   You are still being paid remember.  Some reasonable notification would be expected out of courtesy. Maybe 3-4 hours minimum.  Day before being ideal.  Week before would be perfect.  However, you are not on holiday.   You are still on paid employment, albeit not working.

 Also, as im on salary, I've never had to count my hours, so its frustrating, because I usually get paid the same rate regardless of hours. But now im doing completely random hours based on the companies needs and only being paid for exactly what I work.
Is this OK for my employer to do? 

Yes it is ok for your employer to do that.  It is indeed, what the revision to furlough allows as the Govt tries to get people back to work .

Flexible furlough allows the employer to take you back on reduced hours but claim for periods you are not needed.   Many businesses dont have the work or capacity to bring people back full time and flexible furlough allows you to retain your job and pay rather than the company make you redundant (or worse, the company failing altogether).

prowla

To clarify - are you only being paid for the hours you work, or are you being paid furlough plus the hours you work?

If it's the 2nd, then this is allowed.

However, there does need to be a bit of common-sense applied to response times to work requests; it's a bit like being on-call, I suppose.

jamie640

Thanks for your replies, I think that helps clarify the situation. I am very grateful to still be employed, and I should take it as a compliment being the only one taken of furlough! 
I am literally given no notice whatsoever, which is disappointing, I realise I'm not on holiday, but it is frustrating without notice and having to count my hours. I did 25 hours last week, including a 13 hour shift, and only got paid £20 more than my usual furlough! The work was also cover for my boss who went to the seaside for a few days.... 
Its just a shame that I needed to come here and ask for advice, as my employer hasn't verbally or formally gave me anything to let me know how this all works. 
Thanks all.