Can you be furloughed if you have to shield? People who have been told to shield are advised to speak to their employer about working from home. It may be that an employer will allow an employee to take on a different role temporarily to enable them to work from home. However, if an employer cannot find work for their employee at home, there are alternative avenues of support that can be explored. The Government website explains an employer may be able to furlough their employee if they have to shield and cannot work from home. The website states: “If you cannot make alternative arrangements, your employer may be able to furlough you under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which has been extended until the end of April 2021.