Broken tools at work

legopony

Hi all,

This is a bit of a random one but...

My partner works as an automation engineer for a small local firm, they only employ around 20 people. When he got the job he was asked if he would provide his own tools, he agreed to use his own hand tools (screwdrivers etc) as they said that they wouldn't be able to supply them.

Recently a few of his tools have broken whilst on jobs for work.

I think that his employer should be replacing the tools for him as they were broken during work and they never provided the necessary tools to begin with. His employer is saying that it is his responsibility to replace them.

Does anyone know if there is a rule about this type of thing? There is nothing in his contract about it, he is not self-employed and is employed full time.

Cheers!

pompeyrich

You used to be able to claim tax relief on the cost of replacing tools, similar to the allowance for washing your work clothes, it is/was a fixed amount depending on your trade and although not a great deal of money better than nothing. I cant find any up to date figures for this year, so they may have stopped it but worth a phone call to HMRC to check.

As for replacing broken tools, I have always managed to get my employer to replace any that were broken or worn out. It is worth spending a bit more on quality tools as they tend not to break, if used properly.

ohreally

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/relief-tools.htm

Look at fixed rate expenses as well.

pompeyrich

ohreally wrote: »

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/relief-tools.htm

Look at fixed rate expenses as well.

Thanks I had found that page but was put off by the year 08-09 onwards, has it not gone up since then?

thegirlintheattic

Many tradesmen provide their own tools.

Parva

You only have to look at the Snap-On van man that visits car dealerships. These offer tools and such at weekly or monthly payable rates and each mechanic has his own set of stuff. Pretty common across many garages and dealerships. You buy your own tools and build a collection, goes with the trade (much like printing that I did).

Miss_Havisham

I know several tradesmen and they all prefer to build their own collection of tools. Apparently they get used to a particular "feel" of a tool - weight, handle, balance etc. Perhaps it's a man thing ?

Parva

Miss_Havisham wrote: »

I know several tradesmen and they all prefer to build their own collection of tools. Apparently they get used to a particular "feel" of a tool - weight, handle, balance etc. Perhaps it's a man thing ?

And yes, indeed it is.

paddedjohn

legopony wrote: »

Hi all,

This is a bit of a random one but...

My partner works as an automation engineer for a small local firm, they only employ around 20 people. When he got the job he was asked if he would provide his own tools, he agreed to use his own hand tools (screwdrivers etc) as they said that they wouldn't be able to supply them.

Recently a few of his tools have broken whilst on jobs for work.

I think that his employer should be replacing the tools for him as they were broken during work and they never provided the necessary tools to begin with. His employer is saying that it is his responsibility to replace them.

Does anyone know if there is a rule about this type of thing? There is nothing in his contract about it, he is not self-employed and is employed full time.

Cheers!

If he relies on his tools for his job then surely he has bought quality ones, these are nearly always guaranteed for life. Sometimes its worth paying the extra for peace of mind.
Depending on how much hes paid, having to replace his tools could drop him below the nmw which might be worth persuing.

Parva

Much like the printing trade mechanics are generally expected to have their own toolbox. There was a small tax break available to me as a printer for tools / overalls at the time, not sure if that is still the case though.

hartcjhart

yes there is still a tax allowance for tools/equipment etc that YOU have to supply for your employment,
however no matter how small/big the company you work for wether direct or subbie I think they should replace tools broken while working for them,
I work for a 'multi billion £' company (as a contractor)and they always do,
and as has been said buy good quality gear