Should I Look For A Job While On
Furlough?
Yes, you can look for a new job while on furlough if your employment contract permits secondary employment and the new role does not conflict with your furloughed duties, but you must not work for the employer who furloughed you.
Can I get in trouble for working while on furlough?
Yes, you can get in trouble for working while on furlough, especially if you perform duties for the employer that furloughed you.
Under the UK's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which lasted until September 2021, you weren’t allowed to do any work for the employer that furloughed you while you were getting government‑paid wages. Break that rule and you could face repayment demands or even disciplinary action (HMRC). Outside of the CJRS, most furlough deals still say you can’t work for the same boss unless you’ve both agreed to it, so stepping over that line often counts as misconduct (ACAS). Depending on how strict your employer is and how serious the breach is, you might get a formal warning, lose your furlough pay, or even be fired. Honestly, it’s a risk not worth taking.
What is the penalty for working while on furlough?
Penalties for improperly working while on furlough can require repayment of 100% of claimed funds, plus fines or criminal action for employers, and may lead to dismissal or wage repayment for employees.
If an employee does work for their furloughed employer under the CJRS, HMRC can ask the employer to repay the whole grant and may hit them with fines or even fraud charges (HMRC). Workers who knowingly break the rules often end up dismissed for misconduct and have to give back any furlough pay they got (Citizens Advice). Sure, criminal charges against employees are uncommon, but serious fraud has landed people in court, which is why both sides should treat these rules as legally binding. Honestly, the whole situation feels avoidable.
Can I refuse flexible furlough?
Yes, you can refuse flexible furlough, as any alteration to your employment terms—such as reducing hours while receiving furlough pay—requires your explicit consent.
You can’t be forced into a flexible furlough deal without your say‑so; if you turn it down, the employer has to either keep you on full furlough or look at other routes such as redundancy (ACAS). Saying no won’t automatically put your job at risk, though it might spark talks about what the business needs and what alternatives exist (Citizens Advice). It’s a good idea to get your refusal in writing and ask for a clear explanation of how your role will change going forward. Honestly, getting it in writing saves a lot of headaches later.
Can I get a job if I am furloughed?
Yes, you can generally get another job while on furlough if your employment contract permits secondary employment and the new role does not create a conflict of interest with your furloughed position.
Under schemes like the CJRS, you were actually free to take on a different job or do some volunteering, provided you didn’t do any work for the employer that furloughed you (HMRC). Before you jump into a new role, it’s wise to check your contract for any non‑compete, exclusivity, or conflict‑of‑interest clauses and have a chat with your current boss to avoid any mix‑ups (Citizens Advice). Keeping the conversation open helps safeguard both your furlough pay and your professional reputation. Honestly, a quick chat can save a lot of trouble down the line.
Can I refuse to work part time on furlough?
Yes, you can refuse to work part‑time on furlough when it represents a change to your employment terms that you have not explicitly agreed to.
Even part‑time work under a flexible furlough setup still counts as a change to your contract, so you’ve got to agree to it (ACAS). If you decline, the boss might keep you on full furlough, look for other ways to cut costs, or, as a last resort, start redundancy talks (Citizens Advice). Make sure to put your refusal in writing and ask for a clear note on how your status will be affected. Honestly, getting it in writing is the safest move.
