To ask my employer to extend my contract - and would it be ethical?

[McAvennie]

I'm currently furloughed while on a part-time 12 month maternity cover contract, which is due to end in June. From another thread I've seen that it's now possible for firms to extend fixed term contracts and still have the employee's salary covered under the furlough scheme - so my question is WIBU to ask my firm if they would consider this in the event that furlough payments are extended beyond June?

They're currently topping us up to 100% salary but I obviously wouldn't expect this to continue. I just don't know if this feels like an abuse of the scheme, but my chances of finding another job anytime soon in my industry are pretty slim, and my husband has just agreed a 40% pay cut so the money would be a bit of a lifeline

Wouldn’t they need to use the furlough scheme for their employee returning from maternity leave?

I don’t think it’s unreasonable at all.

No harm in asking is there?

No of course it’s not unethical to ask. I’d look up the scheme to make sure it fits your circumstances and present your employer with a case in favour of it.

You can ask, but unless the person you're covering has decided not to return from maternity leave, I'd be very surprised if they agree to it, and think it would be unethical of them to keep you both on furlough unless there's an actual job for you both at the end of that time.

You should ask. Definitely not unethical.