New job... Can't afford required laptop!

tyllwyd

I would have thought that a business should supply the tools that you need to do the job, and that would include a laptop. I don't think you should be embarassed about asking and if necessary explaining that you can't afford to buy one at the moment. (If they insist you need one, could they possibly give you a loan to be repaid out of salary?)

But apart from the laptop, what about software?

skintandscared_2

A friend of mine works at a company where home computers can be bought using their salary sacrifice scheme - i.e. they buy it, then take the money in monthly instalments from your pre-tax salary, reducing your tax liability. If the company insists on employees having their own laptops, they may well run a similar scheme. Definitely worth asking.

agrinnall

While I'm in agreement that the employer should provide equipment required to do the job (which luckily mine does) there is a growing trend for even the largest organisations to "encourage" employees to use their own equipment - I know that this is happening at one of my previous employers. I'm not sure whether there is some incentive offered but if they get away with it I can see it becoming the norm.

paddyrg

How about saying '...yeah, my old PC laptop is on its knees, so we need to sort something out...' which makes it a 'we' problem not an 'I' problem. They may have an old Mac desktop you can use, they may not be a Mac house (goodness knows anything you can do on one you can do on a PC), etc. Being gentle about letting them know it's something that needs to be considered means no shame, and you can work something out - even a loan from the company?

red_devil

does anyone know if the elderly can get free computers?

starrystarry

OP...I know you said you've nobody to turn to for a cash loan but is there anyone who could lend you a laptop until you get your first pay? Even if it's a !!!!py old one it could tide you over.

arbroath_lass

If you have your own desk you should not be using a laptop anyway. They are not adjustable enough for day to day work. ie. screen height, moveable keyboard etc. Ok for out and about occasional use but not all day, every day.

I also think, unless it was mentioned in the ad/job description/at interview then your employer needs to provide suitable equipment for you to do your job.

Dunroamin

In the short term, can't you borrow a laptop from a friend or family member, at least until you get paid?