I've just been informed that we are having to furlough some of our workers, and that might include myself.  However I was told, that if work comes up near people they will be asked to go to it, and if not sacked... I'm guessing my gut instinct is that they cannot do this.  Surely if you are furloughed then they cannot use you for work as the government is paying for them.

Also I can work from home, but still being furloughed possible as "there isnt much for me to do" as the lads arent on site as much and I'm their H&S... again can they furlough me and expect me to do work?

so either I'm working from home and contactable on full pay or furloughed and they can screw off until im back in?

If they claim furlough money and have you working they are committing fraud on HM Gov i.e. all of us.

I can see quite a few convictions being reported after this has all settled - construction is not the tax man's favourite industry anyway otherwise why were the IR35 rules being altered?

An employer can ask you to undergo training during the period e.g. on-line or conduct CPD but nothing else -they cannot even ask for advice over the phone.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Yes, what they are planning is wrong. However, the idea of Furlough is to prevent redundancies during this time of lockdown with the Gov stepping up and allowing people to get 80% of their wages in place of just ending their job. A life line for employees and business. Then everything to turn back to normal in theory. It will not work all the time, but some may survive it.

If you are stuck at home and get the odd call does it really matter in the scheme of things, it will after all be the company taking the risk of being found out. You will just be helping others stay safe as you previously have. They are trying to keep the business alive and people employed overall, so are they really so bad (at least on this point anyway).

Yep while at home being paid 80% and having no travel to work costs, you can plan your future. They would be allowed under furlough to make you redundant though anyway. Gov web site has more info.

Chris

confirmed today, on furlough.  Had a call today and video interview next week so hopefully something will come about.  Dont mind doing a bit for some of the managers or techs I look after, but not the directors.  Rinsed the company then plead poverty and do zero work.

Its the directors attitude towards workers "if they dont work if asked they'll get sacked"...says it all to me