Furloughing till September

[Puppypawsx]

I’m really sorry if I’ve got the wrong end of the stick but I’m struggling to understand what some of the things in the news mean! I’ve heard that Rishi Sunak is to make an announcement tomorrow regarding furloughing (that it will be extended to September?- not sure if that’s the beginning or the end of Sept?). If this is the case does that mean that people who are currently furloughed are not to go back to work until September? I’m really worried that’s what they’ll mean. I (like so many other people) am starting to find lockdown really difficult and am really worried that I might not be able to go back to work until September (at the earliest). I understand that I am lucky to be being furloughed and that other people are in worse situations but it is making me so anxious. Was just wondering if anyone has seen on the news if this is the case? Thank you x

It's being widely reported they are to extend the furlough scheme to the end of September but drop it to 60%. The aim is obviously to gradually move people back in to work as businesses get up and running again, so just because you're furloughed now doesn't necessarily mean you will have to remain so until September, just that the option is there if needed. You can be recalled from furlough at any time.

Everything will be announced tomorrow. until then, its all speculation.

Your employer does not need to keep you on furlough if there is work for you. The minimum period for furlough is 3 weeks.

Yes potentially that is what it means. Although you can be recalled at any time, but if your employer is struggling, it’s better to be furloughed than made redundant

Honestly there's so much confusion isn't there I've contacted my employer to see if I am able to go back to work yet as not all staff have been furloughed but no answer as of yet x

@wantingahome I was coping really well with lockdown up until today. I’d prepare myself that I’d likely go back to work in July. You’re right, it’s so confusing!x

@Puppypawsx I was coping well up until Saturday too! Seems like something has just flipped in my head and got me feeling really down about everything. Hopefully I can get my positive pants back on 😊 x

Its difficult I know , I'm the same would love to go back .
My job is impacted on the hospitality business so realistically I'm probably not needed till July earliest .
It's a bit of a pay drop but I'll do it as it's better than no job .
I've a dc too so it'll be difficult to work until dc back to school .
It's all up in the air again so hoping I'll hear more soon .

@laaalaala I know, I’m hoping I can go back to being positive again soon! It’s a lot easier to deal with when you’re not so worried! Hope it all works out for you x

@Puppypawsx what type of industry are you in ?

Some businesses won't be able to reopen before then , music venues etc. So those staff will need to be furloughed while others will gradually get to work

@Concerned7777 estate agents (I’m just admin though)- so obviously not essential but based in a coastal town, a really high percentage of our business comes in over July/August/September x

I’d have thoughts he’ll just extend it for industries that have been told to close (pubs, theatres, music venues)
Those staff have no choice, they can’t go back to work.

Estate agents may come under the shops and businesses allowed to open in June. I cant see them furloughing you for a further 12 weeks after that point tbh if there wont be sufficient work for you to do after all that time then I'd imagine your position would be made redundant. I think guidance to furloughing will get restricted the longer it goes on as well as reduced so probably restricted to certain jobs and limited reasons for others outside them job categories

If certain industries can’t even begin to open up until July (and then not all) then they’ll need to extend it to August/September. Even those that can get open from July around going to need sometime to get as many staff back as possible. Social distancing etc is going to be hard to juggle and have a massive impact on a lot hospitality/leisure and the ability to even break let alone make a profit.