Furlough employed, redundancy, new role

kolakubez07

Hi everyone

So I am currently employed with my current employer and been told may be facing redundancy and to keep feelers out for a new role.

A new role has come up but redudancy may not be until October if not later.

I've declined the new offer due to this but they have come back to me and said can still work for them while furloughed, which I'm not 100% comfortable with.

The new role was offering same salary but means I also have further to travel.

In the meantime the new employer has come back and agreed to better terms (need to find out for definite what this entails!) BUT has said can join them on a self employed basis until I get made redundant and then put on to an employed contract.

Am I allowed under furlough rules to do this, I know if you are self employed and furlough you can but not sure about being employed furloughed going self employed.

I know in this time it is better to secure a job and think of myself first, as may be difficult once furlough ends but also after being at my current employer feel redundancy is deserved for the time I have been there and all the support I have given them over the year.

Appreciate any feedback.

Thrugelmir

A new long term permanent job shouldn't be undervalued. Is your statutory redundancy entitlement worth the wait. Then there's the danger that you aren't choosen. 

Jeremy535897

If you are furloughed by your current employer, there is nothing in the job retention scheme that prevents you either getting a second job with a different employer (that has no connection with your current employer), or becoming self employed. Your contract with your current employer may require you to get their permission to take other employment, or to do self employed work during normal working hours. If they are trying to avoid redundancy, they may not give permission, but may push you into giving notice. How much your redundancy is worth depends on your contract of employment (and the statutory rules).

kolakubez07

I’ve spoke to work about this and they just want me to do what’s best for me right now.

the new role is offering the same as what I’m on now (I’m hoping I can get them to change this even if it just helps to cover travel costs in the short term!) 

redundnacy I believe is about £4K which doesnt seem a lot but would mean could reduce current outgoings from the outset which obviously would help in the long term!

I know I need to secure a new job especially with furlough soon to end but just need to get it in my little brain that I’m doing the right thing as I’ve never been self employed before and I know it’s only for the short term til I get redundant officially. 

Grumpy_chap

It sounds as though the new job offers you some security that the current employer cannot offer.  It is not clear why the current employer does not simply make you redundant now, given what they have said about trying to find a role externally.  If this were me, I would be looking for a way to take the new role.