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
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.