How will the end of furlough affect me? Your rights explained
The furlough scheme will close today, leaving up to 2 million Brits uncertain of the next step.
The job retention scheme has been winding down since July and companies now have to pay more of their staff's wages than they have been over recent months.
Initially the government supplied workers with 80% of their wages. Rule changes meant employers then had to contribute 10% of that from July, rising to 20% from August.
Furlough is estimated to have helped protect more than 11 million since the start of the pandemic. But from today, payments will stop as the scheme closes.
It is now feared that millions of jobs are at risk because of the end of the scheme.
We've put together your rights once the payments stop, so you know how the end of the scheme will affect you.
What rights do I have if I'm made redundant?
Although furlough was designed to keep workers employed, unfortunately it doesn't protect you from being made redundant.
It won't affect your redundancy pay rights though, and you'll still be able to claim what you are owed.
Despite your wages being lower because of the scheme, which pays out up to 80% of your earnings, employers must use your full normal pay when working out redundancy pay.
So if your weekly pay is usually £300, your redundancy pay must be based on your full normal pay of £300 a week too, not the £240 you may have been receiving through furlough.
Can my employer reduce my hours once furlough ends?
In short, your employer can't cut your hours or even give you a pay cut just because the scheme is ending.
They can't do that without your consent but if it's something you are after for a more flexible working arrangement then it is possible, but only if your contract allows it.
If your contract of employment reserves the right to vary your pay and hours though, you could see some changes from today.
But it is worth keeping in mind that you need to be employed for two years to qualify for making a claim for unfair dismissal.
He explained to The Sun how Universal credit is the main benefit paid to you.
Universal Credit payments can vary between £344 and £596.58.
But Universal credit is based on your current income, so if you apply today on the last day you're still receiving furlough, you’ll be assessed as if that income will continue - it might be worth waiting until the scheme stops otherwise.
It's important to remember that the £80-a-month uplift to Universal Credit, brought in by the government during the pandemic, is due to end tomorrow too leaving millions of people worse off.
There's a chance to apply for a Universal Credit advance to help cover the cost of essentials such as food, clothes and rent while you wait for full payment to come through too, if necessary.
"You don’t need to worry if you have a change of circumstance after making the application as this will be taken into account in your monthly assessment period, and you don’t need to worry if you receive redundancy money after making a claim.
What other help can I get?
There are also interest-free loans available from local councils for people who are struggling.
You might also be able to get help with Council Tax through a reduction, which you can apply for on the .
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Despite the imminent end, unions have called for the job support to become permanent in case of further economic shocks too.
All the while, four in 10 adults feel "uncertain" about the future as government support comes to an end.
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