Has furlough finished?

[SpringtimeSummertime]

Just that really!
Was anyone on furlough for the entire year? Did you get your normal wage without actually working?
How do you feel about going back?
Do you even have a job to go back to?
AIBU to think that if you have received a wage without working it’s hard to get back into work mentality?
For those of you who have returned, were you desperate to return?

[Giraffe96]

In answer to your questions..
*Yes, i've been on Furlough since March and haven't been in since (So i've been off from the start and not done a period of flexi furlough). I got 80% of my wage (minus tax and NI) and my employer topped up my holidays to 100%
*I'm not going back, my circumstances have changed so I'll be handing in my notice at the end of the month
*Yes, it's just in an industry thats not been allowed to work (Large events) but as above i'm not going back to it due to a change in circumstances (my partners got a new job during the pandemic which is WFH but they're looking at going back into the office soon at least part time but it's 2 hours away so we're relocating)
*not sure on the work mentality thing, my employer allowed us to get a 2nd job (as long we told them and it wasn't for a direct competitor) so i've been working the whole way through at a supermarket which honestly saved my sanity. I was bored just that first weekend of lockdown so i've been glad to get out of the house (and no I didn't take a job away from anyone, my store hired everyone who applied within a weeks timeframe and took on thousands of extra staff across the country)

[WidowTwonky]

Why are you asking such specific questions? Seems strange

[SpringtimeSummertime]

Really interesting stories, thanks everyone. I think one of the main worries is job security. I'm pleased that people who work for industries affected haven't been left high and dry.

[SpringtimeSummertime]

@WidowTwonky

Why are you asking such specific questions? Seems strange

What would you prefer me to ask?

[Myexisadick]

I’m furloughed for the second time. I work in an industry that has not been effected by Covid. My employer (very large national company) is using the furlough scheme as a money saving exercise. Consequently I have handed in my notice and have another job to go to in a couple of weeks. Had I not resigned I could probably have sat at home for at least another 3/4 months on 90% of my salary.

[SpringtimeSummertime]

@SpringtimeSummertime

Really interesting stories, thanks everyone. I think one of the main worries is job security. I'm pleased that people who work for industries affected haven't been left high and dry.

Just to add to to this, I am a public sector worker so have been working throughout and have been paid as normal. I can't imagine the stress some people have been under.

[SpringtimeSummertime]

@Myexisadick

I’m furloughed for the second time. I work in an industry that has not been effected by Covid. My employer (very large national company) is using the furlough scheme as a money saving exercise. Consequently I have handed in my notice and have another job to go to in a couple of weeks. Had I not resigned I could probably have sat at home for at least another 3/4 months on 90% of my salary.

That's interesting... So are they operating a reduced service even though they don't need to? Sounds a bit sneaky...

[TakeYourFinalPosition]

The expected “return to work” date for most people is 21st June, but furlough can continue until September, although employers have to contribute more after July I believe.

It’s a tapered end, to try and reduce mass unemployment and redundancies, so it’s not really linked to restrictions in general. Sadly there are some industries that are likely to be a decent away from returning to normality.

I’ve not been furloughed. I know a few people who are struggling with the idea of going back after making 80% of their salaries! And I know of a few people who took jobs delivering parcels and things while they would usually have been working, so they’ve got double the shock, I guess... I’ve worked throughout, so my work/life balance swung massively out of sync, but I’m glad we’re stable.

[Myexisadick]

@SpringtimeSummertime that’s exactly what they’re doing. Those left behind are covering 2/3 jobs.
I was furloughed last year for a few months but worked from July 2020 to Feb of this year so I KNOW that trade hasn’t dropped.

[GintyMcGinty]

Most of my organisation has been closed since March 2020 and there is no date in any of the roadmaps for my sector re-opening.

We had to make a lot of use of the furlough scheme and many colleagues were furloughed completely from March to November and then again from January to end March.

Since then because the government made the scheme a bit more flexible we have been able to have them back part time to do bits and pieces and some training.

We also had to make lots of colleagues redundant because even with furlough we were hammered by most of our income generation sources been closed to us.

The furlough scheme ends at the end of September but will we be allowed to be open by then? - we don't know. If we are not then all those jobs will go then.

[SpringtimeSummertime]

I know of a few people who took jobs delivering parcels and things while they would usually have been working, so they’ve got double the shock, I guess...

Do they get 80% of their wage (furlough money) on top of the money they make in their second job or do they have to declare their second wage therefore reducing furlough money?

e.g £1600 p/m @ 80% (furlough entitlement)
£1400 p/m second job

Do they now take home £3000 p/m?

[FlyingBurrito]

@TakeYourFinalPosition

The expected “return to work” date for most people is 21st June, but furlough can continue until September, although employers have to contribute more after July I believe.

It’s a tapered end, to try and reduce mass unemployment and redundancies, so it’s not really linked to restrictions in general. Sadly there are some industries that are likely to be a decent away from returning to normality.

I’ve not been furloughed. I know a few people who are struggling with the idea of going back after making 80% of their salaries! And I know of a few people who took jobs delivering parcels and things while they would usually have been working, so they’ve got double the shock, I guess... I’ve worked throughout, so my work/life balance swung massively out of sync, but I’m glad we’re stable.

That isn't right, who is going to work in all the shops and pubs that open next week?

There's no set return to work date for most people. It totally depends on the individual business and even within a business there will be different dates. I know someone who works in a shop and not all the employees there are starting back next week as they have to limit the numbers of customers so don't need all the staff on day 1

[SpringtimeSummertime]

[quote Myexisadick]@SpringtimeSummertime that’s exactly what they’re doing. Those left behind are covering 2/3 jobs.
I was furloughed last year for a few months but worked from July 2020 to Feb of this year so I KNOW that trade hasn’t dropped.[/quote]
I imagine those IN work are pretty pissed off to say the least.

[SpringtimeSummertime]

I guess this chart will give companies a push to re-open to all staff Myexisadick. From June, employers need to pay more themselves.

[SpringtimeSummertime]

www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme/changes-to-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

[Myexisadick]

@SpringtimeSummertime Very. I’m the third to leave in within a month. No one can take annual leave and sickness can’t be covered. They have now taken on Zero Hours staff I believe though how they justify that I have no idea. I’m glad I’m not going back.

[GintyMcGinty]

From June, employers need to pay more themselves

Last year employers also had to pay quite a bit towards the scheme between June and November. And throughout employers also still had to pay pension contributions and National Insurance.

My organisation would love to have everyone back at work but we are not legally allowed to.

[SpringtimeSummertime]

[quote Myexisadick]@SpringtimeSummertime Very. I’m the third to leave in within a month. No one can take annual leave and sickness can’t be covered. They have now taken on Zero Hours staff I believe though how they justify that I have no idea. I’m glad I’m not going back.[/quote]
I hate shitty employers. It might well be a 'loophole' but it's not at all ethical. Glad you're getting out.

[Devlesko]

We are/were a company of Entertainers and Musicians.
Haven't worked since first lockdown was announced, we saw the diary of our lifes work disappear within two hours.
Yes, can't wait to start again, but it's our life not a job.

[DeeSeeMee]

This is coming across as a Daily Mail story fishing trip.

[SpringtimeSummertime]

@Devlesko

We are/were a company of Entertainers and Musicians.
Haven't worked since first lockdown was announced, we saw the diary of our lifes work disappear within two hours.
Yes, can't wait to start again, but it's our life not a job.

The Arts have been decimated (for now...). I'm really sorry for anyone in your line of work.

[SpringtimeSummertime]

@DeeSeeMee

This is coming across as a Daily Mail story fishing trip.

You're the third person to say I am a journo.

[Lulu1919]

Husband on 80% since March last year so around £850 a month

[MrJollyLivesNextDoor]

'You're the third person to say I am a journo'

Can't imagine why!

[MrJollyLivesNextDoor]

@SpringtimeSummertime

I know of a few people who took jobs delivering parcels and things while they would usually have been working, so they’ve got double the shock, I guess...

Do they get 80% of their wage (furlough money) on top of the money they make in their second job or do they have to declare their second wage therefore reducing furlough money?

e.g £1600 p/m @ 80% (furlough entitlement)
£1400 p/m second job

Do they now take home £3000 p/m?

Yes they take home their earnings from their 2nd job on top of their furlough money