Loss of job

[ivegonegreyfindingausername]

So my partner started working for a company around 8 months ago in a senior position, replacing someone who was staying in the company but undertaking a project that at the end would massively improve the business. This happened for around 10 roles/people.

Nothing in my partners contract had anything to say that should the project be cancelled or delayed would the previous staff be given their roles back.
However thanks to the current pandemic the project has been placed on hold initially for a short time but has been extended. They have now furloughed my partner and the other employees and the original staff are been asked to cover their roles in the business.
Without actually saying the words they have effectively replaced my partner and the others with the previous staff and once the furlough payments end they will tell them that there roles are longer available.

Given that they have only been there for 8 months max, do they have a leg to stand on in regards to employment laws?

AIBU to think my partner wont have a job to return to and we are screwed financially?

I think you need professional advice on this one

I know but I was hoping someone here might work in the field. The phone lines of anywhere that can offer advice are stupid busy and my heads a mess. I wouldn't mind but when they restart the project all the people that go back on the project will need to be replaced again.

Look on the ACAS website. Unless you have been there two years you have few rights unless you can prove discrimination.

If they have furloughed your husband and his colleagues the likelihood is they will go back to their jobs when the project restarts.

Pay for an hour with an employment solicitor and take proper advice.

I've been on to ACAS and the basics of it is there is nothing we can do. The project has been delayed much longer than the furlough payments will cover.

ACAS have said we have no rights with been there less than 2 years and they can just make redundancy. No doubt the company will then re-advertise the roles when the project restarts.