Furlough
The term ‘furlough’ refers to a leave of absence or the process of granting a leave of absence. It is derived from the Dutch word ‘verlof’ meaning leave of absence. It relates specifically to a temporary absence due to the needs of the employer (although it also sometimes refers to normal leave taken by an employee). Employees may be permitted to seek other temporary employment during the period of the furlough.
The term has historically related predominately to US federal government shutdowns, but it rose to prominence in the UK during the Coronavirus outbreak when there was a requirement to furlough employees for self isolation, or because businesses were unable to operate at their normal capacity due to social distancing requirements or because of supply chain or financial problems.
Under the provisions of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, businesses furloughing staff during the coronavirus outbreak are given financial support by the government for the payment of wages as well as the costs of employer national insurance and pension contributions. In addition, those made redundant after 28 February 2019 can be re-employed and placed on furlough.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Beyond the pandemic.
- Budget 2020.
- CIOB urges construction industry to share PPE with healthcare providers.
- Coronavirus and force majeure.
- Coronavirus impact survey.
- Coronavirus job retention scheme.
- Coronavirus.
- Designing HVAC to resist harmful pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria and viruses such as influenza and 2019-nCov)
- ECA Survey: Industry remains optimistic despite downturn.
- Hospital isolation rooms.
- January 2021 construction output figures.
- The future of the coronavirus furlough.
- Winter Support 2020 - 2021 packages for businesses.
Featured articles and news
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
A new CIOB TIS on discharging CDM 2015 duties
Practical steps that can be undertaken in the Management of Contractors to discharge the relevant CDM 2015 duties.
Planning for homes by transport hubs
Next steps for infrastructure following the updated NPPF.
Access, history and Ty unnos.
The world’s first publicly funded civic park.
Exploring permitted development rights for change of use
Discussing lesser known classes M, N, P, PA and L.
CIOB Art of Building photo contest 2024 winners
Fresco School by Roman Robroek and Once Upon a Pass by Liam Man.