is this true? glasses to be left at work

j2011

I don't know if my daughter is being wound up or not but she asked at work if she could get help to pay for an eye test and glasses as she is getting headaches and dry eyes because she is in front of a computer screen all day.

She asked her manager and she said to her, of course if we pay for your eye test and glasses you will have to leave them at work when you leave for the day.

She isn't sure if she is getting wound up or not.

Can they make her leave the glasses at work?

She hasn't made a formal request yet she was just sounding out her manager as to the works policy.

spugzbunny

hahaha - no almostly certainly no!

Be aware that she would only get a very basic nhs pair. She can get a free eye test though.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/HealthAndSafetyAtWork/DG_10026668

She should ask her occupational health dept as they will provide correct info and procedures.

Oldernotwiser

spugzbunny wrote: »

hahaha - no almostly certainly no!

Be aware that she would only get a very basic nhs pair. She can get a free eye test though.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/HealthAndSafetyAtWork/DG_10026668

She should ask her occupational health dept as they will provide correct info and procedures.

I'm sure I used my voucher towards something less basic.

WeBeBroke

j2011 wrote: »

I don't know if my daughter is being wound up or not but she asked at work if she could get help to pay for an eye test and glasses as she is getting headaches and dry eyes because she is in front of a computer screen all day.

She asked her manager and she said to her, of course if we pay for your eye test and glasses you will have to leave them at work when you leave for the day.

She isn't sure if she is getting wound up or not.

Can they make her leave the glasses at work?

She hasn't made a formal request yet she was just sounding out her manager as to the works policy.

They are obliged to pay for the eye test and the company gets tax relief for this, however, they are not obliged to pay for glasses that can be used for everyday use. If they are only needed for use in the company, then that would have to be proven. The HMRC rules are pretty clear about what the company is allowed to get tax relief for and frankly, if they are not going to get tax relief for the benefit, then they are hardly going to pay for it.

If your daughter needs glasses for everyday use then she'll have to fork out for them herself. However, if she only needs them for the job then she should go ahead and get them. Although be warned they'll probably only be very cheap, functional ones that she wouldn't be seen dead in anyway!
From the HMRC website:

There are no reporting requirements and you have no tax or NICs to pay if you pay for glasses or contact lenses that you’re obliged to provide because an eye test required by health and safety legislation shows them to be necessary for VDU work - as long as the glasses or lenses are only used for VDU work

spugzbunny

I'm sure I used my voucher towards something less basic.

If you are prescribed glasses to help you work with a VDU, your employer must pay for a basic pair of glasses, provided they are needed especially for your work.

From DirectGov. A bit open ended but what WeBeBroke said basically. Some companies are obviously a bit more flexible though and wil provide a certain amount of money off.

MrRedundant

The employer is probably taking it further than most do but technically they can do so if they wish. If they are left at work then they completely avoid any risk of HMRC dispute.

mikey72

They're bought for the employee.
You can also use the voucher and pay extra for an upgrade to a decent pair..
I'd be interested to see how they think they can insist they are left at work if they become the employees property.

Googlewhacker

mikey72 wrote: »

They're bought for the employee.
You can also use the voucher and pay extra for an upgrade to a decent pair..
I'd be interested to see how they think they can insist they are left at work if they become the employees property.

Devils advocate time, could they not be classed as a piece of uniform if paid by the company and as most companies require uniform back they would be allowed to refuse the OP's daughter from taking them with her.

MrRedundant

At no point did the OP mention vouchers. Not all employers supply a voucher; some simply supply payment.
HMRC state they can only be applied without PAYE and NI if they are for work purposes and if this is challenged the employer will prove it.

I suspect the argument with vouchers is that employers provide the bear cost for the basic equipment and any added charge is covered indepdently thus there is still no benefit offered.

In a case like this then I would imagine the employer couldnt restrict usage; but if the employer fully pays for them they are work equipment thus their property.

Tbh if they are only required for work it wouldnt be an issue.

RedSoleShoes

j2011 wrote: »

She asked her manager and she said to her, of course if we pay for your eye test and glasses you will have to leave them at work when you leave for the day.

My old company would only pay for my glasses if the prescription ONLY said VDU use. My optician put "VDU. Driving, if required". I do not require them for driving but my company refused to pay because of this wording. I just bought a pair myself in the end.

So, I think companies make up their own rules! She is definitely entitled to the eye test though.

nedmundo

If the employer has covered the cost of the glasses in full, then technically they remain the property of the employer. They may request that the specs remain at work for tax reasons as pointed out above or to avoid the risk of damage out of work.