New job....eligible for furlough?

[3littlewords]

I am about to start a new job , its in non essential retail, currently in a tier 2 area so running as normal, however should we go into full lockdown or become a tier 4 area would I be eligible for furlough if the shop can't open?

No I don't think so as you need to have been on the payroll from 30th October 2020 to be eligible

That's what I thought too, so would I be unpaid during any lockdown or tier 4 restrictions?
I'm concerned that as furlough has been extended until end April that there's chances of closures until then. I cant afford to turn the job down but I also can't afford to be in and out of work due to restrictions.

I'm in the same boat OP, it's a bit of a nightmare.

Are we able to claim anything to help financially?

No, not with the present rules... I think Martin Lewis was saying you’d be eligible for Universal Credit if you meet the requirements, so that could be worth a look?