16yr old son got a job-low wage - is he entitled to owt?

magoogy

my 16yr old has got himself a job learning to be a welder/engineer - he starts after his exams....he has to kit himself out with steel-toe boots, overalls and a tool kit - does anyone know whether he would get anything to help us buy him these - we are on disability/income support and also, because he is on a very low wage - would he be entitled to any support? going to phone benefit advice tomorrow when open....

Fran

He could possibly be entitled to an EMA if he is going to get some kind of qualification, see EMA info.

Fran

Also he should ask his future employer whether they will buy these essential items.

magoogy

its his employer who has told him he needs the stuff, so, if they were going to provide them i think they would have told him then.....i have a form for ema so will sit and study it.....thanks

Savvy_Sue

If he has to buy his own protective clothing, then he should be able to put them on his tax return to reduce his tax liability. But it would still be worth double checking with the employer: even if he is expected to supply his own protective clothing then it is possible they will give him a loan and take repayments off his salary. Plus he needs to be sure what spec he's buying to - no point shelling out on boots only to be told they are not sufficiently robust or stuff like that.

margaretclare

Some companies which use steel-toed boots/shoes, protective clothing etc buy it in bulk through a wholesaler and workers can then buy it. I know that Rolls-Royce do, among many others. Yes, it can be claimed against income tax. If this is a company with a routine of taking on young people as trainees or apprentices, there must be someone there who deals with all this, perhaps, as has been suggested, on a loan.

Aunty Margaret

phatbear

Your sons employers are legally obliged to provide any personal protective equipment free of charge, if they say theres a risk to health if these items arent worn then they have to supply em:


Have a look on the Health and Safety Executives website:

https://www.HSE.gov.uk

in particluar

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, or just type in Protective clothing and have a read through.

Of course if this company chooses not to provide these items free and implies that if he doesnt pay for them himself he may not have a job then you can contact the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and report them for infringement of the above Act.


All the best


The bear

sarahlouise210

With regards to your sons tool kit...unfortunately you cannot claim tax relief for the initial cost of a tool kit..only for replacing them! This is a totally mad rule but one I have come across a few times. When a necessary tool is worn out or breaks any replacements can be claimed as an expense and tax relief will be given. It would seem that it would be good practise to buy cheap tools that will need replacing...then replace them with good quality tools! Sadly most employers that require employees to provide these start up tools do insist they are of a certain standard.

magoogy

i dont wish to complain because i am just happy he will have a decent job when he leaves school and he will be learning a trade which will see him fit in the future - im soooo proud that he did this, because a lot of todays youth just see the dole as the best choice, hence, i dont wish to jeopardise it - but, i will check to make sure im buying the right gear though....

thanks

margaretclare

Hi magoogy

Ask the company's Health and Safety Officer first before you go out and buy anything.

My husband went through a 5-year engineering apprenticeship back in the 1950s and he built up his tool-kit gradually over time. He still has some of the original tools from back then.

Ahhhh, things were different then!! Health and Safety legislation has made working in dangerous jobs less dangerous, but it has also caused a lot of complications.

Good luck to your lad, anyway! You have every reason to be proud of him.

Aunty Margaret

System

If your son is entitled to claim tax relief for those items he has to have actually paid tax to get the relief. If he is on a really low wage where he isn't liable to pay tax then he can't get any tax relief because he won't have paid any tax for them to refund.