UNISON SECURES A WIN FOR MEMBERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

UNISON has successfully challenged employers who were paying staff Statuatory Sick Pay during the Covid-19 outbreak to move them on to the Furlough Scheme.

UNISON representatives argued that the members working in higher education employed a by private contractor were only placed on sick leave due to the pandemic and it was not a normal case of sickness absence. The employers agreed that staff could be moved to the furlough scheme and receive 80% of their wage rather than the SSP rate of pay.

We have also successfully won a case for members again employed in the further education sector with private contractors moved to the furlough scheme who should have been paid their normal rate of pay due to the contract held by the employer. All members involved are now being paid their normal rate of pay.

If you have any questions or queries about the furlough scheme please contact your local branch representatives. All queries must be looked at on a case by case basis to assess if you would be suitable for the scheme under the specified criteria.We cannot guarantee all cases will meet the criteria.

Your UNISON representatives will be able to give you some advice on the furlough scheme and assist you with your query.