Back to work but paid less than those still on furlough

[UltimateWednesday]

DS works for a fast food franchise.

As they went back on short opening hours, take away only and didn't need all the staff, they asked for volunteers. DS jumped at the chance.

Initially, they worked short shifts while they had short opening hours and got used to the new Covid safe procedures. This meant that for the first 2 weeks he was paid less than he would have been on furlough and indeed less than those who stayed at home.

He's not bothered, he's glad to be back and he's getting loads of hours now, so earning more than his furlough money but it seems wrong to me.

Would you have expected them to somehow "make up" the money the working staff were down in those early weeks? Is there a furlough mechanism the company could/should use as , effectively, staff returned PT initially?

As of today there is, but staff need to have already been furloughed - I'm assuming your DS was furloughed?

As of today staff can work PT and the furlough scheme will make up the hours.

They can do this now, the company I work for is looking at this. Staff can return part time and then furlough pay will make up the rest. I think it's only just started though.