Seeking employment while on furlough with the threat of redundancy

jimbob907

Hi,
Im currently on furlough from my employer and have a fair idea i am going to be made redundant, i already have another job lined up which i am due to start very soon.
My current employer sent an email to all furloughed workers asking if if we had obtained any employment (permanent or temporary) while on furlough.
If i let my current employer know that i am employed elsewhere, will this affect my redundancy payment?

phillw

jimbob907 said:

If i let my current employer know that i am employed elsewhere, will this affect my redundancy payment?

I would have thought so, but then not telling them could be fraud.

macman

Why would it be fraud? You are perfectly entitled to take on other work when furloughed, the only rule is that you cannot work for the company that is furloughing you.Nor can I see any rule that requires you to inform your existing employer if you do work elsewhere. The only requirement is that you be available for work if they decide to end your furlough.
OP: no, it cannot affect your redundancy pay, which is a statutory or contractual right, but of course it could affect your employer's decision about which jobs to make redundant in the first place.

ssdkck

Sounds like they are hoping they dont have to pay redundancy if you resign. Seems a bit sneaky.  I know people that are on furlough and have a second job, without even having to tell their current employer 

Jeremy535897

There are some misconceptions here. Taking another job while on furlough is not fraud, but nor is the only rule that you can't work for your current employer while on furlough by them. This is a CJRS rule, not an employment law rule. Your contract of employment and furlough agreement will almost certainly preclude you getting another job without permission, particularly if it would have to be done in the hours you would normally be working for your current employer. If you do get another job, and are in breach of your contract of employment, your current employer may decide to dismiss you (so as to avoid paying redundancy, with some justification, as you have chosen to get another job).

Thrugelmir

If you can find a secure new permanent job take it. Known many people over the years who sit it out in order to take redundancy. Only to find a new job simply isn't there for a very very long time.