ACTION
The STUC wants to ensure that every worker gets what they are due and to keep campaigning with those who are not covered. In the adjacent panel is our latest advice on the government announcement.*
You need to talk to your colleagues!
We can do our best to help but we can't provide advice for every person directly. The support of your union and working together is the best way to get results.
1) If you are in a union that's great! - contact your local rep; someone else you know who is in the union; or your national office. A list of union websites is here.
2) If there is a union in your work and you are not a member - join! Dont be embarassed. Lots of people don't join their union because they didnt get round to it or because they didn't previously see a reason. Hopefully the reason to be a member is now clear!
If there is no union in place here are three useful steps
a) Set up a discussion group with your fellow colleagues. We suggest that managers should not be included.
b) Decide what you want to ask the boss before you present a collective position.
c) Why not use whatsapp, signal or messenger to set up a discussion?
If you need support with that contact us: info@stuc.org.uk
Email the STUC if you need support for your group or contact our campaign group Better than Zero.
What might you be discussing?
Here are some general questions you should be asking if your boss intends to use the scheme.
1) Is there anything that your boss isn't doing that they should be? Check our information panel opposite.
2) How has your boss said they are calculating your pay and is the boss going to add the additonal 20% to top your wages up to the normal rate?
3) Is the boss furloughing everyone and is everyone being treated fairly?
4) Has your boss communicated their decision to you in writing?
5) Is your boss keeping the workplace open even though you think that's a bad idea?
Have you recently lost your job?
If you have been paid off and you know (or suspect that) it was due to the corona virus, in many cases your employer can take you back on.
1) If you are contacted by your ex-boss and you want to be taken back do that. Ask them to write down what they are proposing to do.
2) If your ex-boss hasn't made contact. Contact them! Its best to do that with your colleagues.
3) If you have been contacted, make sure everyone who has been laid off else has been contacted too.
Get talking to your colleagues.
Is everyone being taken back on by your boss?
If not why was that decision made?
It is best to go to the employer with a joint position.
You might want to get an undertaking from the boss then when the wage support period finishes, then no-one will be laid off.
Write a joint letter and ask the boss to agree it.
*Nothing on our site or provided in any email response to an individual enquiry, constitutes legal advice or is intended to give rise to a legal relationship between the STUC and any individual. Specialist legal or other advice should always be sought and taken in relation to your specific circumstances. The contents of our site and/or this email are intended for general information purposes only and you should not rely on them as definitive in relation to your situation.