Furlough Rights: Know Your Entitlements Clearly

Unlocking Your Furlough Rights: Understanding Your Entitlements During the Pandemic

The UK Government launched the Furlough Scheme as a crucial lifeline aimed at safeguarding Furlough Rights during the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which escalated in March 2020. This scheme primarily targeted employees who were mandated to work from home, providing essential financial support to those unable to fulfill their work responsibilities. Under this initiative, employers were required to temporarily release affected employees from their duties while the Government subsidized 80% of their salaries or wages. However, numerous individuals have expressed concerns that their experiences diverged significantly from the intended support, particularly as the UK contended with its third national lockdown. Many working mothers, in particular, have encountered significant challenges, including the denial of their furlough applications, which can precipitate considerable financial strain and escalating debt.

A recent survey conducted by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in collaboration with parenthood advocate Mother Pukka has revealed alarming statistics concerning the experiences of working mothers during the ongoing lockdown and school closures. This survey aimed to illuminate the substantial hurdles these mothers face while balancing work responsibilities and childcare amidst persistent restrictions. With over 50,000 mothers participating, the study disclosed that more than 70% had their furlough requests denied. This troubling trend suggests that a staggering 78% of working mothers were never presented with the option to apply for furlough, with 40% expressing uncertainty about their eligibility, particularly in relation to how school closures impact their ability to work effectively.

The results of this survey highlight a worrisome lack of awareness regarding the furlough program among parents and caregivers. The Government has established specific provisions tailored 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 capacity to work remotely or necessitate a reduction in hours. Despite these important provisions, many working mothers remain uninformed about their entitlements, shedding light on a significant communication gap and a failure in outreach efforts both from employers and the Government.

The Furlough Scheme was instituted to prevent a surge in layoffs and redundancies triggered by the economic fallout of the pandemic. Initially set to conclude in April 2021, it has been extended multiple times to address the ongoing challenges faced by employees, especially those managing childcare responsibilities due to school closures. However, the TUC warns that many working mothers are not leveraging this support due to a lack of information regarding the furlough options available to them. This reality underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to enhance awareness and encourage the utilization of this vital assistance.

In light of the persistent challenges, the survey revealed that nearly all respondents reported elevated anxiety levels during the lockdown, with 90% experiencing heightened stress. Almost half of the mothers expressed fears that their parental status might result in workplace penalties due to their childcare responsibilities. Many working mothers have resorted to utilizing their annual leave to manage childcare obligations, while others have opted to reduce their working hours or even take unpaid leave. The financial implications of such decisions have left nearly half of the respondents feeling apprehensive about their family’s financial stability.

Amid these pressing issues, the TUC is advocating for enhanced protections for working mothers and others unable to work due to restrictions imposed by the coronavirus. They are urging for the right to furlough to be extended to various groups, including those who are shielding and deemed clinically vulnerable. Additionally, the TUC emphasizes the importance of employers exploring alternative solutions before resorting to furlough, such as adjusting working hours, providing paid leave, or facilitating remote work options.

Key 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 is essential to familiarize yourself with your entitlements under the coronavirus job retention scheme, as these may vary significantly from your standard rights. For the most accurate 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 proactive approach of initiating discussions with your employer regarding potential 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 and obligations.

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 crucial to support working parents during these challenging times.