Furlough, it is fair?

[NameChangedForThisOne7]

I work in a smallish branch of a larger company, in a healthcare setting.
Can't really say any more than that for fear of giving out too much info.
We have a staff of about 26 people, some full and part timers.
For years there have been several people who are historically off 'sick' constantly, maybe a couple of days a month, and a couple who are off a LOT in large chunks of 2-3 weeks at a time. I have considered leaving in the past due to the sick rate at this place, and have even spoken to bosses about it being demoralising for the team etc.
Now the COVID19 crisis has happened. The company are now sending out furlough letters which we must sign. There are LOTS of people including myself who would like furlough (kids at home etc) but is has been implied that some of these serial 'sickies' are to be given furlough and have 80% of their wages paid while sitting at home, due to the fact that they are pretty unreliable anyway and would probably not be able to carry on the running of the operation. They are delighted by the prospect of being paid for a 'holiday' even if it is on reduced pay.
It's a horrible situation in general, of course it is, but am I wrong to think that these people are now being 'rewarded' for their past sickness record, while the hard working people who are NEVER absent now have to expose themselves to the virus, go into work and pick up the slack, for only 20% more than those on furlough?

It just seems really unfair and I'm sure it will cause a great deal of resentment in the team. What do you think about furlough?

Yanbu. However furlough is a way of stopping people being made redundant. If it didn't exist, it's likely you would be in the same position you're in now, but your colleagues would lose their jobs.

You can ask on what basis they have selected people - they can’t be discriminatory.

Look at it in the long run OP. You will hopefully find that in the long run the company will be able to prove that they could work efficiently and effectively without these people and they will be let go after a certain period of time.

But I do understand your frustration. In my work there are lots of piss takers and of course they were the first to go off. And now they should be back after two weeks self isolating, there's still no sign of them! Meanwhile I'm still dragging myself in doing three people's work.

But some of these people sound like they should lose their jobs and in your position I’d be doing what’s right for you and your family rather than thinking about them tbh.

I’d be annoyed, but I think you’re supposed to look at is as you are a fundamental part of the company who is indispensable. I’m not sure that would make me feel better in this situation but at any other time some recognition would be great.

I think you have to let this one go for now, I’m sorry that lazy people come out with the better deal. It might be that they get laid off in the end.