Once every 4.6 seconds

How often our “ #CoronaVirus — if your employer has told you not to work” advice page was viewed yesterday

It’s now the busiest page on our website, showing how people’s concerns have changed — and why we need more clarity on the #JobRetentionScheme

Trends like this show us what’s on people’s minds

Those turning to us for advice will be uncertain about what #CoronaVirus means for them at work, whether their employer will keep them on — and they’re not sure what to do next

Many will be like Tamur, Roshni and Karen

Tamur lives with his partner and children. His 6 year old son is classed as extremely vulnerable as he has a rare form of cancer, so is at a very high risk of severe illness from #CoronaVirus

This means Tamur and his son must self-isolate for 12 weeks

As Tamur can’t work, his employer said they’ll look into the #CoronaVirus Job Retention Scheme. Tamur would be able to keep 80% of his wages and not put his son’s health at risk by having to go into work

But, 2 hours later, Tamur was told his employment was being terminated

Roshni worked at a charity for 2 years and was “laid off work”. She asked her employer about the Job Retention Scheme but they said they weren’t sure about what they would do

She doesn’t know whether she’s still employed or if she’ll be able to get 80% of her wages

Karen got an email from her employer in late March. She was part of a group selected to take a 50% pay cut or face being made redundant

She had until 5pm the following day to accept the pay cut — not responding would be taken as rejecting the offer and she’d be made redundant

Her employer said they weren’t going to use the Job Retention Scheme as they were uncertain they’d actually receive money through it

Karen’s now working full time but on half pay — she didn’t want to be made redundant and have to look for a new job during the #CoronaVirus crisis

These are only a few stories of those who’ve been told not to work due to #CoronaVirus and have come to us for help

While many employers are doing everything they can to support their staff, this spike in page views tells us that some aren’t — and others need more guidance

The government’s action to set up the scheme is very welcome and will help millions through this crisis

But there needs to be more clarity on who’s eligible and how it works — so everyone can get the support they need

https://twitter.com/morgan_wild/status/1245376989038620672

And if your employer has told you not to work and you're not sure what this means for you, you can find our advice page here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/coronavirus-if-your-employer-has-told-you-not-to-work/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=covid19&utm_content=advice