Employer charging a fee to provide a mortgage reference

opinions4u

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Public sector is having to cut costs / generate income where ever possible. Only fair that people pay for what they use.

I did have a thought that the HR/Payroll might be outsourced.

It raises an interesting debate.

I went on a training programme a couple of weeks ago. It involved £250 in hotel costs. £32 in very cheap advance train fares and various food costs. The eight other people in the team didn't use the course, so should I have to pay for it myself?

Personally, I think an employer has a moral duty to support an employee in various ways throughout their tenure.

This includes flexibility to enable personal commitments outside work to be met. Personal development and training opportunities. Support through periods of illness, particularly in he readjustment to working life on return from illness.

Charging for a mortgage reference where the employee is going through a major life change is a pretty low blow.

It was something I first saw from NHS trusts in the late 1990s. The fee was actually invoiced to the lender. In the case of Halifax they wouldn't pay it and three months' pay slips and P60 were required. If tey weren't available we asked the customer to make a cheque payable to their employer.

I bet the employer is failing to collect VAT on this commercial activity too.

Employing staff has certain responsibilities. I think providing a mortgage or rent reference quickly, accurately and free of charge is one of those responsibilities.