Do you think furlough is being widely misused?

[Makeitgoaway]

I pay monthly fee (or rather my employer does) for a support package in loving some specialist skills. Usually that is provided in part remotely and in part at our site but with everyone working from home, we were happy and indeed expected that all support was provided remotely ftb.

But no, they have furloughed most of the staff "to protect the business in unprecedented times" and are offering only a much reduced central service, meaning we have to deal with people who dont know or understand our business. That means that while we are also dealing with "unprecedented times" we are having to support our support company with information they already have (but not the staff who are actually working)

We've already paid for the full service which can just as easily be offered remotely but they now won't be able to deliver what we need. It seems they've taken an opportunity to have the government pay wages, even though we have already paid them but dare to complain and you aren't being supportive in these difficult times.

I know some businesses will be very badly hit and I've been impressed with the level of support offered by government, although I appreciate there are some gaps, it's been far more wide reaching than I ever thought possible. This company, who charge up front for support than can be offered remotely will have seen only minor (if any) changes to income. I'm so cross that this seems to be outside the spirit of the thing.

[Makeitgoaway]

Loving? Involving

[DivGirl]

I don't understand this at all. Your work was provided with a service that now isn't being provided because staff have been furloughed?

Who is misusing furlough?

[Makeitgoaway]

The company have furloughed staff and are now providing a very limited service when the need and payment for the full service is still there. There was no need for them to furlough staff, they haven't lost any business.

[Haffiana]

You don't know that they have only minor changes in income. You don't know anything other than the tiny, tiny corner of their business that you have personal experience of.

Yet you have the presumption to be 'cross'. You assume that they are stealing in some way, are 'not in the spirit' (also about which you know nothing). This says so much about you and nothing about the business about which you know - nothing.

Are you in the habit of mentating like a Daily Mail headline?

[NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite]

If you are absolutely sure then report them to HMRC.

[Makeitgoaway]

Haffiana, for someone who's objecting to assumptions, you've made an awful lot there.

[Zebrasandfairytales]

No, I do not think it is being widely misused.

Furloughing retains staff and potentially keeps them in business for longer. You said it yourself, they are “protecting the business in unprecedented times.”

I think a lot of what you have written above is not based on the facts but your assumption. I think the company will be more worried about saving their workforce and business than by your comments.

[BackInTime]

Absolutely. There will always be people who take advantage if there is an opportunity to save themselves some money and make a quick buck. They know that HMRC do not have the time to investigate the finances of those claiming. There are companies that are genuine and there are those who can afford to pay their staff but have decided to use the scheme to protect their profits, bonuses and personal fortunes.

[SuckingDownDarjeeling]

www.forbes.com/sites/lelalondon/2020/04/20/victoria-beckham-dubbed-pampered-prima-donna-millionairess-after-furloughing-staff/

My partner and I were discussing this earlier. I would be surprised if there weren't many instances of it being misused and I'm sure if you speak to each individual using it, they will have their justifications. If I was observing what you were so close to home it would make me annoyed too x

[ScrumptiousBears]

A family member has been furlonged but they are still getting her to work.

[pocketem]

A family member has been furlonged but they are still getting her to work.

That's fraud. And will be easily found out by HMRC if the employees are PAYE

[Snorkelface]

It won't be found out if the employee is PAYE. How on earth will HMRC know that the employee is still doing some work?

[SaltySeaBird]

Also have a family member who is furloughed but being asked to work. I expect that is widespread.