Furlough Rights Explained: Know Your Entitlements

In-Depth Guide to Understanding Your Furlough Rights Amidst the Pandemic

The UK Government implemented the Furlough Scheme as an essential support mechanism aimed at safeguarding Furlough Rights during the Covid-19 pandemic that began in March 2020. This initiative was specifically designed for individuals required to work from home, helping to ease the financial burden placed on employees unable to fulfill their job responsibilities. Under this scheme, employers were obligated to temporarily release affected personnel from their duties, with the Government covering 80% of their salaries or wages. However, numerous individuals have reported experiences that starkly conflict with these intentions. As the UK faces its third national lockdown, many working mothers have encountered significant barriers, particularly having their furlough applications rejected, leading to dire financial strains and accumulating debt.

A recent survey conducted by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in partnership with parenthood advocate Mother Pukka has revealed alarming statistics about the experiences of working mothers during the ongoing lockdown and school closures. This survey aimed to shed light on the pressing challenges that these mothers face while balancing work responsibilities and childcare amidst continued restrictions. Over 50,000 mothers participated, uncovering that more than 70% had their furlough requests declined. This troubling trend indicates that an astounding 78% of working mothers were never even presented with the furlough option, and 40% lacked clarity regarding their eligibility, especially concerning how school closures impact their ability to work effectively.

The results from this survey highlight a concerning lack of awareness surrounding the furlough program among parents and caregivers. The Government has established specific provisions for parents unable to work due to heightened caregiving responsibilities arising 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 provisions, many working mothers remain uninformed about their entitlements, indicating a significant lapse in communication and outreach from both employers and the Government.

Initially designed to prevent a surge in layoffs and redundancies resulting from the economic fallout of the pandemic, the Furlough Scheme was set to conclude in April 2021 but has been extended multiple times to address ongoing challenges faced by employees, particularly those managing childcare due to school closures. However, the TUC warns that many working mothers are not utilizing this support due to a lack of information regarding available furlough options. This scenario underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to boost awareness and utilization of this critical assistance.

Amid these ongoing challenges, the survey indicated that nearly all respondents reported elevated anxiety levels during the lockdown, with 90% experiencing increased stress. Almost half expressed fears that their parental status might result in workplace repercussions due to their childcare responsibilities. Many working mothers have resorted to using their annual leave to manage childcare duties, while others have opted to reduce their working hours or even take unpaid leave. The financial fallout from stepping back from work has left nearly half of the respondents anxious about their family’s financial security.

In response to these pressing issues, the TUC is advocating for enhanced protections for working mothers and others unable to work due to pandemic-imposed restrictions. They advocate for the right to furlough to extend to various groups, including those who are shielding and deemed clinically vulnerable. Furthermore, the TUC emphasizes the necessity for employers to explore alternative solutions before resorting to furlough, such as adjusting working hours, offering paid leave, or facilitating remote work options.

Vital Recommendations for Enhancing Furlough Rights for Parents

• The right to flexible working arrangements for parents
• Provision of ten days of paid carers’ leave for parents
• Increased sick pay aligned with the Living Wage to ensure financial stability during self-isolation
• Access to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme for newly self-employed parents

Effective Strategies for Working Parents to Protect Their Rights

As a working parent, it’s essential to understand your entitlements under the coronavirus job retention scheme, as these rights may significantly differ from your usual employment rights. To obtain the most precise and up-to-date information, visit the UK government website to stay informed about your rights during this unprecedented period.

Once you are well-informed about your rights, take the initiative to engage in meaningful discussions with your employer about potential options. Exploring flexibility within your role can lead to advantageous solutions, such as reduced working hours, additional paid leave, or even the possibility of remote work or reallocating responsibilities to better accommodate your current circumstances.

The Treasury is urging employers to make fair and responsible decisions, emphasizing that they have the option to furlough employees who face childcare challenges due to school closures or those shielding from the virus. This call for accountability is crucial to support working parents during these challenging times.