Furlough Rights: Understand Your Entitlements Clearly

Maximize Your Furlough Rights: Comprehensive Guidance for Employees Amid the Pandemic

The UK Government launched the Furlough Scheme as a vital support initiative aimed at preserving Furlough Rights in the wake of the economic upheaval triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, which began in March 2020. This scheme was specifically tailored for employees required to work from home, offering essential financial relief for those unable to meet their work commitments. Under its provisions, employers were obligated to temporarily relieve affected staff from their duties, while the Government subsidized 80% of their wages. However, reports indicate that many individuals have faced experiences that starkly contrast with the scheme’s intentions. As the UK prepares for a potential third national lockdown, many working mothers are confronting severe challenges, including the rejection of their furlough applications, which may lead to critical financial distress and mounting debts.

A recent survey conducted by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in partnership with motherhood advocate Mother Pukka unveiled concerning statistics regarding the hurdles faced by working mothers during the ongoing lockdown and school closures. This survey aimed to shed light on the significant difficulties these mothers experience while attempting to juggle work obligations and childcare under continuous restrictions. Over 50,000 mothers participated, providing revealing insights: more than 70% reported that their furlough requests were turned down. Alarmingly, 78% of working mothers were never even informed about the furlough option, and 40% expressed uncertainty regarding their eligibility, particularly concerning the implications of school closures on their ability to work.

The findings from this survey underline a troubling lack of awareness about the furlough program among parents and caregivers. The Government has outlined specific provisions for parents who are unable to work due to increased caregiving responsibilities resulting from the pandemic. This includes the right to request furlough if parental duties hinder their ability to work remotely or necessitate a reduction in hours. Despite these guidelines, many working mothers remain uninformed about their rights and entitlements, revealing a significant gap in communication and outreach from both employers and the Government.

Initially designed to avert a wave of layoffs and redundancies caused by the pandemic’s economic fallout, the Furlough Scheme was set to conclude in April 2021 but has been extended multiple times to address the ongoing challenges faced by employees, particularly those balancing childcare due to school closures. The TUC warns that many working mothers are not taking advantage of this crucial support due to a lack of information regarding the furlough options available to them. This situation highlights the urgent necessity for proactive measures to boost awareness and utilization of this essential assistance.

In the face of these persistent challenges, the survey revealed that nearly all respondents reported heightened levels of anxiety during the lockdown, with an astonishing 90% experiencing amplified stress. Almost half of the mothers expressed concerns that their parental status might result in negative consequences in the workplace due to their childcare responsibilities. Many working mothers have been compelled to use their annual leave to manage childcare needs, while others have chosen to reduce their working hours or even take unpaid leave. The economic impact of stepping back from their professional roles has left nearly half of the respondents anxious about their family’s financial stability.

In light of these critical issues, the TUC is advocating for stronger protections for working mothers and others unable to work due to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus. They are urging for the right to furlough to be extended to diverse groups, including those who are shielding and considered clinically vulnerable. Furthermore, the TUC emphasizes the need for employers to explore alternative solutions before resorting to furlough, such as modifying working hours, providing paid leave, or facilitating remote work arrangements.

Essential Recommendations to Empower Parents and Enhance Furlough Rights

• Implementation of flexible working arrangements tailored for parents
• Provision of ten days of paid carers’ leave for parents
• Enhanced sick pay in line with the Living Wage to ensure financial security during periods of self-isolation
• Access to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme for newly self-employed parents

Practical Steps for Working Parents to Safeguard Their Furlough Rights

As a working parent, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with your entitlements under the coronavirus job retention scheme, as these rights may significantly differ from your usual employment rights. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the UK government website to stay informed about your rights during this unprecedented situation.

Once you have a clear understanding of your rights, initiate open conversations with your employer regarding the options available to you. Exploring flexibility within your role can lead to advantageous solutions, such as adjusting working hours, securing additional paid leave, or even the possibility of remote work or redistributing responsibilities to better accommodate your current circumstances.

The Treasury is encouraging employers to make equitable and responsible decisions, reminding them of their ability to furlough employees facing childcare challenges due to school closures or those who are shielding from the virus. This call for accountability is vital to support working parents during these challenging times.