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Employee recalled from furlough but stuck abroad due to travel restrictions

Sarah

| 0 Posts

15 May, 2020 10:54

Hi all

I have an employee who has been recalled from furlough but has since made contact to say that he is stuck abroad due to travel restrictions and therefore unable to attend work. My immediate reaction is that he would have to take unpaid leave. However, the little conscience on my right shoulder keeps telling me that although he is technically unavailable to for work, the travel issue could be seen as mitigating circumstances.  

I would be most grateful for any thoughts on this.

Many thanks in advance

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  • Keith

    | 0 Posts

    15 May, 2020 10:56

    Out of interest when did he go abroad and were you aware he was overseas during this period ?
  • Sarah

    | 0 Posts

    15 May, 2020 12:37

    In reply to Keith:

    Hi Keith
    I'm not entirely sure but he worked right up to the day before the factory shut and we sent everyone home. Letters confirming furlough status sent the following day
  • Keith

    | 0 Posts

    15 May, 2020 12:41

    In reply to Sarah:

    In which case I would be rather less sympathetic as he traveled after the enormity of the crisis was clear
  • Ray

    | 0 Posts

    15 May, 2020 12:52

    In reply to Keith:

    Agree with Keith
    I would give him the choice between unpaid absence or deduction from holiday entitlement.
  • Peter Stanway

    | 0 Posts

    15 May, 2020 13:18

    In reply to Ray:

    One of our clients have a carer who went on honeymoon and got stuck. She cannot work remotely! They are saying it is due to coronavirus and paying furlough pay.
  • Jacqueline

    | 0 Posts

    15 May, 2020 13:20

    In reply to Keith:

    Again, I agree with Keith. Presumably in your furlough letter to staff you told them they had to remain available for work? He's chosen to not remain available for work, so technically he's not on furlough. You could allow him to book holiday for some of the time he's unable to report for work, or it would otherwise have to be unpaid leave.
  • Sarah

    | 0 Posts

    15 May, 2020 13:43

    In reply to Jacqueline:

    Thank you all. I have since spoken to the individual and he has agreed to take unpaid leave. Surprisingly he was quite understanding.
    Thanks again