Furlough for childcare reasons

[BigGlasses]

I manage a small team (there are 3 of us) within a government research facility. We are continuing to work during this lockdown as the sample analysis that we do is still required. We are also involved in some covid research projects.
We can sort of work from home, but someone does need to go into the lab twice a day for an hour or two (normally 9-11ish and then again 3-5 but could be done early morning or evening) the other work is computer based so can be done remotely.

One member of staff has requested furlough as she can’t cope with work and childcare. Whilst sympathetic I’m acutely aware that if she goes off, then more pressure falls on me. The 3rd member of staff is on holiday until late jan. (that is a whole other headache possibly involving quarantine ) . I also have 3 kids requiring online learning and a DH who works entirely out of the house.

I don’t know what to do for the best. I can’t offer her furlough, it would break me. But she doesn’t really have many options. But neither do I! I don’t know why I’m posting, I suppose just in case anyone has advice, or suggestions.

If you for for a "government facility" (civil service?) then surely there is a departmental/agency policy on this and you will be able to have guidance from your HR business partner?

Is she a lone parent?

Could you offer her one regular 2hour slot in each day at the best time for her and you pickup the other?

This could then be revisited when the other perspn is back.

I don't mean to be unsympathtic, but there are many people out there having to juggle childcare and work, so if there's any way her hours can be made more flexible which would help her work around childcare, I'd be looking at that. It sounds like you're in a similar boat to her in terms of commitments - you also have to look after yourself.

Working for the government, does the work come under keyworker by the way?

HR’s advice hasn’t been updated yet, but I know from last time they would suggest furlough. Which doesn’t get the work done. Flexible working is what we did last time, going in early and in the evenings and working at weekends. But it was stressful all round, and loads of bitterness and resentment built up. I can understand why she wants furlough, it would make it so much easier for her. But from a work perspective it doesn’t help. I think we’re just going to have to do the flexible working thing again and cope (like millions of others)

I’ve no idea if we count as key workers by the way. The guidance is so vague. We possibly do. It’s just we can work partly from home and partly not! It’s not like we are doctors doing a shift.

Keyworkers don't have to work outside the home to qualify for the key worker status - it's dependent on your role not where you carry out the work.

If you work for government then you shouldn't be using the furlough scheme.

Furlough can be requested but it doesn't have to be granted by the employer. Don't put added pressure on yourself just to make someone else's life easier when you are both in the same position.
Explain its not an option unfortunately as you are both in the same position regarding childcare so you'll need to muddle through together. Its not ideal but there's many in the same position.

Don't forget furlough can be part time so she could have 'days off' in the week and still work a couple of days. That has to be better for both parties than all or nothing.

Could you hire a temp to fill in for her while she is on furlough?

Actually can civil servants be furloughed?

Presumably though you'd be even more up shit creek if she quit because she was unable to work? I think it's in both of your best interests to be flexible here where you can.

You are in the same position as millions, offer her flexibility, that she can complete her work over 7 day week. Dp has refused his staff furlough because they are needed (they are even hiring)

@MummytoCSJH

Presumably though you'd be even more up shit creek if she quit because she was unable to work? I think it's in both of your best interests to be flexible here where you can.

Being brutal about it, OP would surely be better off as she could then recruit a replacement, whereas if she's furloughed she's without her but can't hire someone else.

Are you funded by public funding? I was under the impression businesses that receive public funding (not sure if there's a threshold) are not allowed to furlough staff.

It’s a research council funded institute. Some people are core funded, others grant maintained. A lot of the researchers were furloughed last time as they were unable to come into work to do their research.

Thanks for the suggestions and advice though. Just ‘talking’ about it here has helped me work through my thoughts on the matter. When she first asked I was thinking I should try sort it and I would be unreasonable to say no, that furlough for childcare is a feasible option. But it’s just not possible. We’re going to just have to muddle though doing what we can. There is no way I expect her to do a 37 hour week, but some work does need done, I can’t to it all, we’ll just have to come to some compromise.