COVID-19: Updated Guidance On Furlough

The Government has confirmed that employees can start a new job if they have been furloughed. This means that potentially, an individual can earn 80% of a salary from an existing, furloughed job and 100% of a salary from a new job. Specifically, the Government has said:

“If contractually allowed, your employees are permitted to work for another employer whilst you have placed them on furlough.”

The contract of employment for the existing job must permit an individual to work in a new job; some contracts specify that employees must not work for other organisations whilst in employment. If you’re considering starting a new job whilst furloughed, it’s important that you check the terms of your existing contract of employment first. If your contract prohibits you from engaging on alternative employment, your employer may agree to a temporary revision to allow you to work. Please contact the Advice Team on 01234 716005 (choose Option 1) if you need further advice on this matter.

The Government has yet to publish all the information surrounding the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and a number of key questions still remain unanswered, such as can you take annual leave when you are furloughed. We will update members as this information becomes available.

In the meantime, our COVID-19 Advice Hub can be accessed here and our Advice Team are available 24 hours a day on 01234 716005 (choose Option 1).