When does furlough end? Employment

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, also known as the furlough scheme, was set up in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the nationwide lockdown.

This national scheme aims to reduce the need for redundancies and protect the majority of people’s income while they are unable to work.

When an employee is furloughed by their employer, they receive 80% of their usual salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month.

When is the furlough scheme due to end?

When the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was initially introduced in March 2020, it was due to end three months later in June. However, as the situation progressed a decision was made by the government to extend this to 31st October 2020.

With the implementation of yet another lockdown in November 2020, it was again decided to extend the furlough scheme until 31st March 2021.

Can I be furloughed if I wasn’t in the summer?

An employee can be furloughed whether they have been previously or not. Employers do not need to have used the scheme before, and they can do so whether their businesses are closed or open.

Employees can also be furloughed flexibly. This means that you can be furloughed on a full or part-time basis, or for any amount of time or shift pattern. For example, if you are contracted to work 40 hours per week, your employer can choose to furlough you for 20 of those hours and have you work the other 20 hours per week.

Can I be furloughed if I am signed off sick?

If you are currently signed off from work for health reasons, your employer can furlough you, however, this must be for business reasons.

If you were to become ill while furloughed, it is up to your employer as to whether they move you to receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or keep you on the furlough scheme.

Can I work while on furlough?

If you are furloughed, you cannot carry out any work for your employer that makes money for the organisation. You can, however, work for another employer (if your contract says you can), take part in training or volunteer.

Understanding Furlough With BBO

If you need some help understanding the furlough scheme and what it means for you and your employment, please get in touch with us. Building Better Opportunities in Stafford & South Staffordshire is a fully funded scheme aimed at supporting people living in the area with Employment Support, Welfare Advice and Financial Support, Health and Wellbeing or Personal Development.

We understand that the current situation has been incredibly difficult for lots of reasons. If you’ve been made redundant or are finding it difficult to gain employment, or you need some advice in regards to which benefits you may be entitled to, please contact our Advocates who would be happy to help.