Furloughed but still expected to work...

[PipGirl404]

Hi
There was a thread not too long ago about someone whose employer asked them to be furloughed but also to continue working. I've found myself in that situation so could someone kindly link to that thread for advice on this?

I'm aware it's fraud and just downright immoral so not sure how to proceed...

www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

I don't know where the old thread is but the guidance is very clear that this is wrong.

Sorry, posted too soon. Was going to say could you email your boss and link to the guidance? Cc in HR if there is one.

Ask him directly.
Hi can you confirm , I am furlonged, where govenment pay 80% my wages and I stay home.
Or are you paying me 100% of wages and I work as normal.

You are correct, it is fraud. You could also find yourself liable to pay back any wages you have received during the furlough period.

Thanks everyone.

She knows it's wrong and has said as much. She is looking for ways for us to work and it not to be traceable...

Try to get her to text or preferably email you. Say that you are having trouble with your mobile or something. Don’t talk to her on the phone - I’m assuming you are at home now .

Act stupid and keep asking for clarification. Don’t argue with her , just ask questions.

If you don’t know how to reply to an email, post a summary of the contents here and people will advise you.

Have they actually lost business. Are they struggling, or is this just a way for them to get some free money? I read the govt reserves to right to audit the scheme in future... probably won't happen, but if it does they'd be in trouble.

Business is slowing, but it's not entirely stopping. It is just a way to save money, really.

There isn't enough business to warrant us staying open so I can understand the want to close and furlough everyone but I'm very uncomfortable with being asked to work whilst being "furloughed".

I don't want money from the government fraudulently. I had enough drama with HMRC and tax credits when I was a single parent and don't want to touch anything like it with a barge pole

If you are furloughed, you need to have a new contract of employment. You need to sign that new contract and as part of being furloughed, your new contract has to state that you accept being furloughed and will do no work whatsoever all the time you are furloughed. If you sign that contract and then work, HMRC will pursue you at a later stage for fraud and want the money back.

When everything is back to normal, HMRC and the Government will not have any time limit on investigating companies who are trying to exploit this as this is an exception period.

Your employer will not be able to apply for any furloughed payment from HMRC until late April so fingers crossed your employer can pay you until then.

You need a furlough contract explaining exactly what's what. I have had to furlough one member of staff so far. She offered to do some work from home anyway! I told her under no circumstances was that happening. She's been furloughed as work has dropped off, work cant have it both ways!

Also one reason I wont pay 100% to staff is that why should they sit at home getting 100% when others are having to work, possibly picking up a bit of slack left over and get the same 100%. That's not going to go down well! Also can't afford to pay the 20% anyway.

Your boss is a dick.