Will I be open to redundancy if I agree to furlough?

27th Apr 2020

My company has requested we confirm in writing that we agree to be furloughed. My concern is that if I put something like this in writing it would mean I'm more open to being made redundant once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, as I am in essence agreeing I don't have sufficient work to do? Whilst I understand the need to furlough temporarily, I am not happy that other colleagues have been deemed to have sufficient work load to not be furloughed.

CATEGORY: Employment

LOCATION: TYNE AND WEAR

1 answer

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Summerfield Browne Limited

For you to be placed on furlough, both you and your employer must agree, and your employer must confirm this in writing.

An employee’s rights, including redundancy rights, are not affected by being on furlough. However, an employer can still make an employee redundant whilst they are on furlough or afterwards.

As your employer has asked you to go on furlough and if you refuse to agree then you may be at risk of redundancy or termination of employment, depending on your employer’s circumstances. However, your employer must still follow the usual redundancy rules.

For further information regarding Employment Law please contact us at Summerfield Browne Solicitors on 0800 567 7595.

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