Can I ask my employer to put me back on furlough for health reasons?

CoolBeans22

I have a heart condition and after shielding I returned to work in retail in August.  I’ve had a few health issues again and I am concerned with the covid situation increasing again.
Can i request my employer puts me back on furlough?
Thank you.

bradders1983

You can ask but why would they say yes when the scheme is a) about to end in its current form and currently costs the employer anyway, and b) the new form starting November requires you to work some hours?

If your boss has made all the neccersary changes then you not wanting to go into work is, quite simply, a disinclination to work. Either go on SSP, or resign.

gary83

you can ask, you could also ask for a pay rise, a company car or a bonus, after all if you don’t ask you don’t get. but if I was you I’d expect the employer to think the scheme is ending in a month, it’s costing more every month & if they agree to your request to sit at home on 80% wages that might open the floodgates for the rest of their staff to ask for/demand furlough as well.

Has the employer taken sensible Covid precautions? What would you do if they turned down your request for furlough?

Mrsn

With only a month to go before the current scheme ends I doubt very much the employer will agree to this.

Thinking long term you are going to have to decide what risk level is acceptable to you and your various needs. Whether this means a new role in a more “secure environment in your view” or whether not working is an option in the interim but this of course means no income. Only you can make these decisions.

You mention retail but since staff also now have to wear masks as well as customers and other COVID secure measures which should already be in place what would make you feel comfortable whilst there?

68ComebackSpecial

According to another thread you have recently had to reapply for your job during a redundancy process, after 5 months on furlough, and you only work 12 hours per week. It doesn't sound as if your employer is likely to be willing to go much further in accommodating you as they are obviously already financially straightened.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6185036/is-this-right-and-is-it-legal#latest