There has been some confusion as to which groups of workers can be placed on furlough under the government’s 80% of wages JoB Retention Scheme. For example, we have had reports of workers who have been instructed to isolate themselves for 12 weeks, due to underlying health conditions, being told that they are only entitled to SSP rather than being placed on furlough. The government has now made clear who can be placed on furlough under the job retention scheme.
As well as those who have been laid off, the following groups of workers can be furloughed and receive 80% of their pay under the scheme:
Shielding Employees
employees who are shielding themselves for 12 weeks in line with public health guidance.
Caring for someone who is shielding
If you need to stay at home with someone who is shielding you can claim under the scheme.
Employees with caring responsibilities
Employees who are unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) can be furloughed. For example, employees that need to look after children can be furloughed.
Workers with any type of contract can claim under the scheme
Employees can be on any type of employment contract, including full-time, part-time, agency, flexible or zero-hour contracts.
If you have more than one job
If you have more than one job you can be furloughed for each job. Each job is separate, and the cap applies to each job individually.
You can be furloughed in one job and receive a furloughed payment but continue working for another employer and receive their normal wages.
Workers on fixed-term contracts
Employees on fixed-term contracts can be furloughed. Their contracts can be renewed or extended during the furlough period without breaking the terms of the scheme. Where a fixed-term employee’s contract ends because it is not extended or renewed you will no longer be paid under the scheme.
Agency Workers (including those employed by umbrella companies)
Where agency workers are paid through PAYE, they are eligible to be furloughed and receive support through this scheme, including where they are employed by umbrella companies.
Foreign nationals are eligible to be furloughed.
The Solidarity Federation has produced a full guide to your employment rights and the Coronavirus. Get in touch with us for details.
You can find more information here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme