FURLOUGH - ADVICE

[Char1997]

Hi all,

Need some advice from all you lovely people about furlough. Wasn’t too sure where to post. My partner accepted a new job and handed his notice in before tier 4 was announced. His leaving date was settled and start date for new place. Once tier 4 was announced the new place called and said they would need to push his start date back as they are closing due to restrictions. He then spoke to his at the time current company and asked whether they would be able to push back his leaving date and furlough him as we have rent to pay, a one year old daughter and other bills etc. Initially they said no, then they called and said yes, the a week later, the date his contract was supposed to end they called and said they can no longer do that for him due to new government regulations. I have scrolled through pages and pages of information regarding furlough and I cannot find ANYTHING that mentions this. For a company he worked at for 7 years It is really upsetting.
Can anyone offer any advice at all?

Thank you in advance!

I think the salient point is that whether or not they are allowed to, they don’t HAVE to. It costs them money as well as they have to make employer contributions on his behalf, he would be entitled to accrue holiday etc. It’s not like they can just do it for free. So presumably they have just decided not to. Whether it’s covered by regulations or not doesn’t really matter.

In all honesty if your dp had a signed contract confirming a start date with his new company I’d be more inclined to take it up with them and see what they might be able to do rather than going back to his old company.

I would’ve said no too. I’m sorry, but he obviously handed his notice in with the intention of leaving their employ. I wouldn’t let someone stay on knowing full well that they were using me for money until their new job was willing to take them on.
Thats so cheeky!

He's left his employment with the first company. They don't really owe him anything now. The new company are the ones reneging on their contract. Loss of long term protection is a risk with a new job. He should be talking to his new company and maybe keeping an eye out for something new if the new job disappears or goes on ice for a while