The "I've been furloughed" Thread
Discussion
I was furloughed from the end of March until 2nd July - currently working 3 days a week (retail) and furloughed the rest of the week. I think they're testing the water to see how much interest/business is out there.
There will be a review at the end of the month to determine if we stick to the 3 day week for now or open up full time again. No idea which way it'll go but, as long as it isn't backwards or back into total furlough, I'll be happy enough.
There will be a review at the end of the month to determine if we stick to the 3 day week for now or open up full time again. No idea which way it'll go but, as long as it isn't backwards or back into total furlough, I'll be happy enough.
anxious_ant said:
Ouch...
Still looking on the positive side you've got 100+ days paid where you could use the time to improve yourself or simply to relax.
I would really advise polishing up your CV and trying to get some interviews in though. I've noticed the job market is picking up in certain sectors.
I was pondering that myself, although it's unfortunate that's it only in hindsight one can see the 100 days were available (especially with the Government's stuttering extensions to furlough eligibility)Still looking on the positive side you've got 100+ days paid where you could use the time to improve yourself or simply to relax.
I would really advise polishing up your CV and trying to get some interviews in though. I've noticed the job market is picking up in certain sectors.
The average University student gets between 8 and 20 hours of "contact time" per week.(I googled it) and terms are 2 x 15 weeks but with 6 weeks for exams, so 24 weeks of tuition. That works out at around 1000 hours of directly taught time (somewhat less when you consider the final year is possibly 50% dissertation).
Work 10 hours a day for those 100 days and you could have done an entire degree :-)
I jest (most students would be doing at least the same again in non-contact time study), but with some people likely to have another three months of furlough to come it's something to ponder!
Flooble said:
I was pondering that myself, although it's unfortunate that's it only in hindsight one can see the 100 days were available (especially with the Government's stuttering extensions to furlough eligibility)
This is what has also done me over. Had I known from the beginning that i'd be off for at least 107 days and counting then I would have done something productive with my time.Back in march I was at genuine belief that I would be back working by mid to end of may, so used the time off to rest and chill out watching the TV shows I never had the chance to watch. As that novelty has long gone, and there's still no sign of going back anytime soon, it's only over the past few weeks that i've been doing more productive things, mainly as the immense boredom has set in.
Unless demand for aviation travel picks up massively in the next couple of months, then my, like millions of others, furlough money is only buying time before redundancy.
Well, my company has lifted all restrictions on hours, but still encouraging WFH where possible.
They have a policy of always being short-staffed and relying on the cooperation of staff in working extra hours when necessary (most of the time). Because of this policy they do not need to make anyone redundant in times of crisis.
However! Pay reviews are generally given from 1st January, based on the previous year’s performance, in practice in our pay packets by Feb/Mar, this year they were delayed and we were told this week that, due to C19, there would be no increase this year!
I predict that next year we will be told that, as reviews are based on previous year’s performance there will be no increase due to C19.
I can see the loss of a great deal of goodwill from staff in the next year or so!
They have a policy of always being short-staffed and relying on the cooperation of staff in working extra hours when necessary (most of the time). Because of this policy they do not need to make anyone redundant in times of crisis.
However! Pay reviews are generally given from 1st January, based on the previous year’s performance, in practice in our pay packets by Feb/Mar, this year they were delayed and we were told this week that, due to C19, there would be no increase this year!
I predict that next year we will be told that, as reviews are based on previous year’s performance there will be no increase due to C19.
I can see the loss of a great deal of goodwill from staff in the next year or so!
Ultra Sound Guy said:
Well, my company has lifted all restrictions on hours, but still encouraging WFH where possible.
They have a policy of always being short-staffed and relying on the cooperation of staff in working extra hours when necessary (most of the time). Because of this policy they do not need to make anyone redundant in times of crisis.
However! Pay reviews are generally given from 1st January, based on the previous year’s performance, in practice in our pay packets by Feb/Mar, this year they were delayed and we were told this week that, due to C19, there would be no increase this year!
I predict that next year we will be told that, as reviews are based on previous year’s performance there will be no increase due to C19.
I can see the loss of a great deal of goodwill from staff in the next year or so!
The worker boss relationship is one of 2 way exploitation. They have a policy of always being short-staffed and relying on the cooperation of staff in working extra hours when necessary (most of the time). Because of this policy they do not need to make anyone redundant in times of crisis.
However! Pay reviews are generally given from 1st January, based on the previous year’s performance, in practice in our pay packets by Feb/Mar, this year they were delayed and we were told this week that, due to C19, there would be no increase this year!
I predict that next year we will be told that, as reviews are based on previous year’s performance there will be no increase due to C19.
I can see the loss of a great deal of goodwill from staff in the next year or so!
If you thought your long term future was better elsewhere, you'd almost definately be thinking about leaving.
They they thought you were thinking of leaving, and they thought they'd struggle to find and train someone to do what you do, for the money they pay you, they'd think about how to keep you.
Most of the time, it's a fair balance. You probably could get more by moving, but not enough for the risk or stress, so you don't.
They probably could get someone cheaper, but it would cost to train them and they might not be that good, so they'd rather try and keep staff happy.
I suggest a pragmatic approach. You have now got the opportunity to work very flexible hours. What's that worth to you ?
Given the 1000s that are now going to be redundant, is now the time to start looking to move ?
Unless you are party to the management accounts, you don't know what they can or can't afford, or how cynical the decision making. I guess, that if profits are down, they don't want to reduce them further.
Just keep your head down and pretend you fully support the need for the company to survive, and your sacrifice is based on your long term commitment.
HorneyMX5 said:
Yesterday marked 100 days since I was furloughed and started this thread. 100 days! It's gone incredibly quickly and at the moment no end in sight.
I've just checked and I've been furloughed since 13 April.No idea when or if I'm going back.
I'm getting to a point where I just want an end to it one way or another. Being made redundant for the first time in my life, especially in the present environment, would not be great to put it mildly but at least I could move on.
BigMon said:
No idea when or if I'm going back.
I'm getting to a point where I just want an end to it one way or another. Being made redundant for the first time in my life, especially in the present environment, would not be great to put it mildly but at least I could move on.
Same as me, would just like to know if and when I am going back or the bad newsI'm getting to a point where I just want an end to it one way or another. Being made redundant for the first time in my life, especially in the present environment, would not be great to put it mildly but at least I could move on.
waynecyclist said:
BigMon said:
No idea when or if I'm going back.
I'm getting to a point where I just want an end to it one way or another. Being made redundant for the first time in my life, especially in the present environment, would not be great to put it mildly but at least I could move on.
Same as me, would just like to know if and when I am going back or the bad newsI'm getting to a point where I just want an end to it one way or another. Being made redundant for the first time in my life, especially in the present environment, would not be great to put it mildly but at least I could move on.
You are far better off furloughed than redundant.
Pit Pony said:
Ultra Sound Guy said:
Well, my company has lifted all restrictions on hours, but still encouraging WFH where possible.
They have a policy of always being short-staffed and relying on the cooperation of staff in working extra hours when necessary (most of the time). Because of this policy they do not need to make anyone redundant in times of crisis.
However! Pay reviews are generally given from 1st January, based on the previous year’s performance, in practice in our pay packets by Feb/Mar, this year they were delayed and we were told this week that, due to C19, there would be no increase this year!
I predict that next year we will be told that, as reviews are based on previous year’s performance there will be no increase due to C19.
I can see the loss of a great deal of goodwill from staff in the next year or so!
The worker boss relationship is one of 2 way exploitation. They have a policy of always being short-staffed and relying on the cooperation of staff in working extra hours when necessary (most of the time). Because of this policy they do not need to make anyone redundant in times of crisis.
However! Pay reviews are generally given from 1st January, based on the previous year’s performance, in practice in our pay packets by Feb/Mar, this year they were delayed and we were told this week that, due to C19, there would be no increase this year!
I predict that next year we will be told that, as reviews are based on previous year’s performance there will be no increase due to C19.
I can see the loss of a great deal of goodwill from staff in the next year or so!
If you thought your long term future was better elsewhere, you'd almost definately be thinking about leaving.
They they thought you were thinking of leaving, and they thought they'd struggle to find and train someone to do what you do, for the money they pay you, they'd think about how to keep you.
Most of the time, it's a fair balance. You probably could get more by moving, but not enough for the risk or stress, so you don't.
They probably could get someone cheaper, but it would cost to train them and they might not be that good, so they'd rather try and keep staff happy.
I suggest a pragmatic approach. You have now got the opportunity to work very flexible hours. What's that worth to you ?
Given the 1000s that are now going to be redundant, is now the time to start looking to move ?
Unless you are party to the management accounts, you don't know what they can or can't afford, or how cynical the decision making. I guess, that if profits are down, they don't want to reduce them further.
Just keep your head down and pretend you fully support the need for the company to survive, and your sacrifice is based on your long term commitment.
I am 64, what chance do I have of finding alternative employment? Yes, I know that companies cannot discriminate on the grounds of age, I also know that is bulls
t!My company know this and, because pay increases have been poor recently, not only is my income not increasing at it should, but my pension is taking a double hit, so I am locked in to working until I’m 70!
ETA. I don’t have the opportunity to work flexible hours! I have my normal 37.5 hours but that is a minimum, I have often worked 80 to 90 hours, with no extra remuneration!
I didn’t mind doing it when there was som recognition each year, but feel less inclined when it is becoming expected!
Edited by Ultra Sound Guy on Monday 13th July 18:26
Ultra Sound Guy said:
ETA. I don’t have the opportunity to work flexible hours! I have my normal 37.5 hours but that is a minimum, I have often worked 80 to 90 hours, with no extra remuneration!
Unless you're earning £200k+ it sounds like you'd be better going get a job in a fast food restaurant or supermarket. Or just becoming a tax payer burden.Edited by Ultra Sound Guy on Monday 13th July 18:26
Theres no way I'd be doing over 2 full time jobs worth of hours for my single wage.
jsf said:
waynecyclist said:
BigMon said:
No idea when or if I'm going back.
I'm getting to a point where I just want an end to it one way or another. Being made redundant for the first time in my life, especially in the present environment, would not be great to put it mildly but at least I could move on.
Same as me, would just like to know if and when I am going back or the bad newsI'm getting to a point where I just want an end to it one way or another. Being made redundant for the first time in my life, especially in the present environment, would not be great to put it mildly but at least I could move on.
You are far better off furloughed than redundant.
What I mean is the waiting around with no news is actually pretty stressful and you can't help but start to imagine the worst.
I don't want to move on, I enjoy my job and like the company I work for, and it saddens me to think there's a chance I'll lose both.
BTW, by moving on I didn't mean going to another job. I meant moving on mentally from just sitting here waiting for good\bad news.
DanL said:
Take control to feel less lost - brush off the CV and start looking for a job. If the worst happens you’re already on the way to finding something else, and if not you may just find a better job anyway...
Already in hand but not easy at the moment.I am struggling to get past the first step.
waynecyclist said:
DanL said:
Take control to feel less lost - brush off the CV and start looking for a job. If the worst happens you’re already on the way to finding something else, and if not you may just find a better job anyway...
Already in hand but not easy at the moment.I am struggling to get past the first step.
As I said I don't want to leave my current position, but I need to know one way or the other. Already spoken to the MD but he's not, as you'd expect, told me if I'm coming back or not just that the firm were going to use furlough as long as they could.
100 days of Furlough today and I've received the dreaded news this morning. They are making redundancies of over 20 employees and the consultation starts next week. I'm expecting I will lose my job but suppose it's not guaranteed until they release all the details. We are in the construction industry (New build residential projects in London but based in South East Kent).
I will not find anything anywhere near this pay and it's also 5 mins from my house to the office. But strangely i don't feel down by it, a little bit worried yes but also excited at prospect of maybe doing something different. Best of luck to all going through the same.
I will not find anything anywhere near this pay and it's also 5 mins from my house to the office. But strangely i don't feel down by it, a little bit worried yes but also excited at prospect of maybe doing something different. Best of luck to all going through the same.
scoey1001 said:
100 days of Furlough today and I've received the dreaded news this morning. They are making redundancies of over 20 employees and the consultation starts next week. I'm expecting I will lose my job but suppose it's not guaranteed until they release all the details. We are in the construction industry (New build residential projects in London but based in South East Kent).
I will not find anything anywhere near this pay and it's also 5 mins from my house to the office. But strangely i don't feel down by it, a little bit worried yes but also excited at prospect of maybe doing something different. Best of luck to all going through the same.
Sorry to hear, I’m in a similar situation. My job is also very close and excellent package. But if someone said I’d still be doing it still in 5 years I’d be disappointed, so I’m also sort of excited.I will not find anything anywhere near this pay and it's also 5 mins from my house to the office. But strangely i don't feel down by it, a little bit worried yes but also excited at prospect of maybe doing something different. Best of luck to all going through the same.
BigMon said:
I have applied for and had a pre-interview for another job but a combination of where I am and what I do means getting another similar to the one I currently have is unlikely. It'll mean either a much longer commute or less money. The one I interviewed for was about 80% less than my current salary.
As I said I don't want to leave my current position, but I need to know one way or the other. Already spoken to the MD but he's not, as you'd expect, told me if I'm coming back or not just that the firm were going to use furlough as long as they could.
80% less? From 100K to 20K???As I said I don't want to leave my current position, but I need to know one way or the other. Already spoken to the MD but he's not, as you'd expect, told me if I'm coming back or not just that the firm were going to use furlough as long as they could.
Ultra Sound Guy said:
Pit Pony said:
Ultra Sound Guy said:
Well, my company has lifted all restrictions on hours, but still encouraging WFH where possible.
They have a policy of always being short-staffed and relying on the cooperation of staff in working extra hours when necessary (most of the time). Because of this policy they do not need to make anyone redundant in times of crisis.
However! Pay reviews are generally given from 1st January, based on the previous year’s performance, in practice in our pay packets by Feb/Mar, this year they were delayed and we were told this week that, due to C19, there would be no increase this year!
I predict that next year we will be told that, as reviews are based on previous year’s performance there will be no increase due to C19.
I can see the loss of a great deal of goodwill from staff in the next year or so!
The worker boss relationship is one of 2 way exploitation. They have a policy of always being short-staffed and relying on the cooperation of staff in working extra hours when necessary (most of the time). Because of this policy they do not need to make anyone redundant in times of crisis.
However! Pay reviews are generally given from 1st January, based on the previous year’s performance, in practice in our pay packets by Feb/Mar, this year they were delayed and we were told this week that, due to C19, there would be no increase this year!
I predict that next year we will be told that, as reviews are based on previous year’s performance there will be no increase due to C19.
I can see the loss of a great deal of goodwill from staff in the next year or so!
If you thought your long term future was better elsewhere, you'd almost definately be thinking about leaving.
They they thought you were thinking of leaving, and they thought they'd struggle to find and train someone to do what you do, for the money they pay you, they'd think about how to keep you.
Most of the time, it's a fair balance. You probably could get more by moving, but not enough for the risk or stress, so you don't.
They probably could get someone cheaper, but it would cost to train them and they might not be that good, so they'd rather try and keep staff happy.
I suggest a pragmatic approach. You have now got the opportunity to work very flexible hours. What's that worth to you ?
Given the 1000s that are now going to be redundant, is now the time to start looking to move ?
Unless you are party to the management accounts, you don't know what they can or can't afford, or how cynical the decision making. I guess, that if profits are down, they don't want to reduce them further.
Just keep your head down and pretend you fully support the need for the company to survive, and your sacrifice is based on your long term commitment.
I am 64, what chance do I have of finding alternative employment? Yes, I know that companies cannot discriminate on the grounds of age, I also know that is bulls
t!My company know this and, because pay increases have been poor recently, not only is my income not increasing at it should, but my pension is taking a double hit, so I am locked in to working until I’m 70!
ETA. I don’t have the opportunity to work flexible hours! I have my normal 37.5 hours but that is a minimum, I have often worked 80 to 90 hours, with no extra remuneration!
I didn’t mind doing it when there was som recognition each year, but feel less inclined when it is becoming expected!
Edited by Ultra Sound Guy on Monday 13th July 18:26
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