Employment Law question

[BFCtrucker]

Hi! Like most I work in a non-essential environment and have been informed as of close of business Friday the company is shutting down indefinitely until it’s right and proper to reopen after the Coronavirus epidemic has settled down. The company I work for is using the government help and I will be classed as a furloughed employee receiving 80% salary. My question is as a skilled worker (Class 1 driver) could I seek temporary alternative employment until my current employer deems it right to return to work. I know with the current situation I could be helpful in assisting with key companies who are on the look out for somebody like me with my qualifications. I have enquired with our HR department and it was rebuffed with a categorical no. Without knowing about employment law and this exceptional situation our country is currently in I don’t know if that is correct or not. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[ULA]

Given the details of the scheme as we know it, your employer has to declare to HMRC who are managing the reimbursement of the 80% of salary, that you are a furloughed member of staff and that means you cannot be working for them and I would suggest that this would extend to any other work, however well intentioned you are being.

It may well be considered fraudulent to be receiving the 80% of your salary from your current employer via the government scheme whilst receiving 100% salary from another employer.

[Amethyst]

You may be able to volunteer for the nhs volunteer help service whilst you are furloughed - they are asking for nhs transport volunteers - *NHS Transport volunteers, who will help to transport equipment, supplies and medication between NHS services and sites.
*https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/03/y...olunteer-army/