Is there not a way the business can put the the furlough system to use? Or maybe accept the pay cut on explicit terms that it is a temp basis only and see what hmrc can offer by way of tax credit top ups or universal credits. For anyone affected, it may well be worth joining a union (even if employers say they don't recognise unions, which is funking bollox) they will represent you in any types of dispute and will do so whilst you are joining up.