Furlough Rights: A Clear Guide to Your Entitlements

Empower Yourself with Essential Knowledge About Your Furlough Rights During the Pandemic

The Furlough Scheme, introduced by the UK Government, stands as a crucial support measure aimed at safeguarding Furlough Rights amidst the swift onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. This initiative was primarily directed at individuals mandated to work from home, alleviating the financial burdens faced by employees unable to fulfill their job responsibilities. Under this scheme, employers were responsible for temporarily suspending affected staff members from their duties, while the Government stepped in to cover 80% of their salaries or wages. However, many individuals have shared experiences that highlight significant discrepancies between the intended support and what was actually provided. As the UK navigates its third national lockdown, numerous working mothers have encountered substantial obstacles, including unjust denials of their furlough applications, which can lead to severe financial strain and escalating debt.

A recent survey carried out by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in collaboration with the parenthood advocate Mother Pukka has revealed alarming statistics about the experiences of working mothers during the ongoing lockdown and school closures. This survey sought to shed light on the acute challenges these mothers face while balancing the demands of employment and childcare amid persistent restrictions. Over 50,000 mothers contributed to this survey, uncovering that more than 70% had their furlough requests denied. This distressing trend indicates that an astonishing 78% of working mothers were never even presented with the option of furlough, while 40% expressed confusion about their eligibility, particularly regarding how school closures impacted their capacity to work effectively.

The insights from this survey underscore a troubling lack of awareness surrounding the furlough program among parents and caregivers. The Government has established specific provisions for parents who are unable to work due to heightened 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 established provisions, many working mothers remain uninformed about their entitlements, highlighting a significant shortfall in communication and outreach from both employers and the Government.

The Furlough Scheme was conceived to avert a wave of layoffs and redundancies brought about by the economic fallout of the pandemic. Initially set to conclude in April 2021, it has been extended multiple times to address the ongoing hardships faced by employees, particularly those juggling childcare due to school closures. Nevertheless, the TUC warns that many working mothers are not capitalizing on this support due to a lack of information regarding the furlough options available to them. This situation accentuates the urgent need for proactive measures to enhance awareness and usage of this essential assistance.

In light of the persistent challenges, the survey revealed that nearly all respondents reported increased anxiety during the lockdown, with 90% experiencing heightened stress levels. Almost half voiced concerns that their parental status could lead to workplace repercussions due to their childcare obligations. Many working mothers have opted to use their annual leave to manage childcare responsibilities, while others have reduced their working hours or even resorted to taking unpaid leave. The financial implications of stepping back from their jobs have left nearly half of the respondents feeling anxious about their family’s financial security.

Given these pressing issues, the TUC is advocating for stronger protections for working mothers and others unable to work due to restrictions imposed by the coronavirus. They are calling for the right to furlough to be extended to various demographics, 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 enabling remote work options.

Take Action: Key Recommendations to Strengthen 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

Essential Steps for Working Parents to Protect Their Rights

As a working parent, it is vital to educate yourself about your entitlements under the coronavirus job retention scheme, as these may vary significantly from your usual rights. To obtain the most precise and current information, visit the UK government website to stay updated on your rights during this unprecedented time.

Once you are well-informed about your rights, take the initiative to start discussions with your employer regarding possible options. Exploring flexibility within your role can lead to beneficial 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. Open communication is key in navigating this challenging period.

The Treasury is urging employers to make fair and responsible decisions, reminding them that they have the option to furlough employees facing childcare challenges due to school closures or those who are shielding from the virus. This call for accountability is essential to support working parents during these trying times, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to thrive both at work and home.