Freelancing while furloughed from a part-time job

BettyCash

Hi, it would be great to have some perspectives from the forum.

I’ve been furloughed since April and my employer is now able to furlough me until the end of the new scheme.

I used to be part-time employed, part-time freelance before Covid-19. I already had an agreement in place for my freelance work so my employer knew that’s what I did outside of work, and they allowed me to work for anyone but competitors. So when I was furloughed I started freelancing full-time. 

Now the new scheme’s started, I’ve asked my employer for explicit written permission to freelance. I’m also keeping an eye on my earnings to make sure I set aside enough tax. 

When I write it down it all seems above board and compliant but I still feel quite anxious that I might be doing something wrong. 

I’m sure I’m not the only one doing this, so it would be great to hear from others, and for anyone to weigh in on whether it’s OK to freelance on furlough. 

Thanks for reading.

Grumpy_chap

What is the question?

All seems permitted.  Congratulations.

macman

You don't need permission to do other work while on furlough. The only terms are that you cannot do any work for your existing employer, and that you must be available to return to work immediately if requested to.

Jeremy535897

There is no problem in being furloughed by one employer and working for a separate, unconnected, employer, so long as your contract of employment with the first employer permits it.

Andy_L

macman said:

You don't need permission to do other work while on furlough. The only terms are that you cannot do any work for your existing employer, and that you must be available to return to work immediately if requested to.

Doesn't that depend on the furlough agreement made with your employer though. rather than a legal requirement off the scheme.