Started a new job, will now be closed due to new lockdown...

[Annamaywong25]

Was thrilled to get a new job a month ago, now this business has to close due to new lockdown. Anyone know where I stand? I messaged my new boss to ask but was told other employees (who have worked there for years) will be working from home but they are "not sure" what will happen to me?? I need to know as I am single and responsible for everything financial. Nearly lost my house whilst looking for work (due to only getting £400 a month UC) and can't believe after working for a month am back where I started.

What does your contract say about notice? They’d have to terminate with whatever notice is in your contract but depending how long you’ve been there, that could be very little or nothing.

Sorry I’ve just seen you’ve been working a month. If you’ve done at least a month your minimum notice is a week, unless your contract entitles you to more than that.

I'm so sorry, what kind of work do you do?

@flowery I've been there 5 weeks and haven't yet been given my contract.

@madcatladyforever I work(ed) in an estate agents.

Furlough has been extended. Would that help?

Ok you’re entitled to at least a week’s paid notice then , if they want to dismiss you, and you are entitled to keep being paid as normal unless and until they do that as well.

Do you have normal hours or does it vary?

I’m really sorry to say but as you have only worked there a month, they may make the business decision to let you go as it’s the easiest for them. You don’t have much employment rights and you’re not necessarily entitled to furlough, although it would be great if they would at least place you on furlough. Are you on their payroll yet?

I thought estate agents can keep working?

@Bargebill19

Furlough has been extended. Would that help?

When I asked what would happen to me I was told "dont know" - not helpful.

Ah. No that really isn’t helpful. Fingers are crossed for you.

@FrappuccinoFan

I’m really sorry to say but as you have only worked there a month, they may make the business decision to let you go as it’s the easiest for them. You don’t have much employment rights and you’re not necessarily entitled to furlough, although it would be great if they would at least place you on furlough. Are you on their payroll yet?

Yes I'm on the payroll. I know I have no rights but would be good if they would give me some idea of where I stand/what they intend to do. Feel like I'm in limbo.

@Bargebill19

Ah. No that really isn’t helpful. Fingers are crossed for you.

Thanks. I'll just have to wait and see what happens on Wednesday I suppose.

@flowery

Ok you’re entitled to at least a week’s paid notice then , if they want to dismiss you, and you are entitled to keep being paid as normal unless and until they do that as well.

Do you have normal hours or does it vary?

I have 18 hours but have done more most weeks as it was so busy.

@radioband

I thought estate agents can keep working?

Apparently not.

@Bargebill19

Ah. No that really isn’t helpful. Fingers are crossed for you.

Thank you.

The housing minister has tweeted that estate agents can keep working so hopefully you will be ok

@bookgirl1982

The housing minister has tweeted that estate agents can keep working so hopefully you will be ok

Oh! Thank you @bookgirl1982! Fingers crossed they will keep me on!

Don't be too harsh on the employer. They took you on in good faith and didn't anticipate this. I'm also an employer in a small charity business and had some new staff due to start in a week. I also don't know what I'm doing with them yet. It's been one day, and a Sunday too, since the new lockdown was announced and I won't know how I can manage the situation until I go in tomorrow and have some meetings and make some calls.

@lulooo fair point. I think I'm miffed as I was about to start this job just as the first lockdown happened, so they said they couldn't take me on after all. Then they contacted me just as I had another job opportunity come up and persuaded me to stick with them instead of the other job, which was in food retail, so would have been safer.