Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that your employer will keep you on after the furlough scheme ends. This will depend on the circumstances of the individual business/employer.
The hope is that by the time the Furlough scheme ends, restrictions will have lifted and you can return to work where your employer can start paying full wages again.
If you are on a zero hours contract and you are taxed through PAYE, then you should be entitled to be furloughed. Your 80% payment will be based on the higher of:
The amount you earned in the same month a year ago; OR
Your average earnings over the last 12 months if you have worked there for 12 months. If you haven’t, then it will be calculated using your average earnings over the amount of time you have worked for the company.
You’ll need to discuss furlough with your employer, or the relevant agency or umbrella company where applicable. If you are put on furlough, you won’t be able to do any work for them, or on their behalf, until the furlough ends.
If you have been on your employer’s payroll from 30th October 2020 then the government will pay your employer 80% of your salary, up to £2,500/month.
Your employer can choose to top up your wage to the full 100% but they don’t have to.
You also cannot do any work for your employer, or on their behalf, until furlough ends.
Furlough is a job retention scheme that means you can still get paid 80% of your wages if your job has been affected by COVID-19. It basically means your job is being put on ‘standby’ until you can go back to work as normal.
If you are put on furlough, you won’t be able to do any work for your employer, or on their behalf, until furlough ends.