Resigning from job and return of company car

MissMotivation

I'm hoping someone can put my mind at rest or confirm that i am correct in my thinking

On Tuesday I handed in my notice at work (by letter). When my partner hand delivered my letter they told him that they did not require me to attend the office during my notice. Last night at 6.30pm one of the Directors hand-delivered a letter and copy of my contract confirming they are placing me on garden leave for my notice period and my employment officially ends on 12th February. They have stated in the letter that my company car needs to be returned by 5pm this evening, however, in my contract it states that the vehicle does not have to returned until the last day of employment!

I am currently trying to put together an email stating that the car will be returned on 12th February, as per contract.

I guess I'm looking for advice that I am entitled to keep the car until my employment officially terminates?

Thanks in advance.

TadleyBaggie

If you employment does not finish until the 12th Feb, then that's when you should have to return (or allow them to pick up) the car. Sounds like you need to point them at the contract.

MissMotivation

Yes, my email is very clear regarding this. I'm just confused as to why they would think they had the right to ask for it back today! It's very odd.

sangie595

MissMotivation wrote: »

Yes, my email is very clear regarding this. I'm just confused as to why they would think they had the right to ask for it back today! It's very odd.

Possibly because you won't be insured to drive it? You are still on payroll, but your actual work is finished due to the garden leave. The terms of the lease / insurance may not cover you for solely personal use.

MissMotivation

sangie595 wrote: »

Possibly because you won't be insured to drive it? You are still on payroll, but your actual work is finished due to the garden leave. The terms of the lease / insurance may not cover you for solely personal use.

In the letter it states that I am still an employee until 11th February and I am expected to make myself available when requested to do so.

LittleVoice

sangie595 wrote: »

Possibly because you won't be insured to drive it? You are still on payroll, but your actual work is finished due to the garden leave. The terms of the lease / insurance may not cover you for solely personal use.

If not actually working nullified insurance then taking a holiday should mean it wouldn't be covered when the employee too. The key point has to be whether the person is an employee - or at least that they are driving the vehicle with permission.

Undervalued

MissMotivation wrote: »

In the letter it states that I am still an employee until 11th February and I am expected to make myself available when requested to do so.

Keep in mind that if you stand on your rights regarding the car they could easily insist you come into the office every day of your notice and give you the worst possible jobs to do.

So it may come down to would you rather have a month's paid holiday or the car!

MissMotivation

Undervalued wrote: »

Keep in mind that if you stand on your rights regarding the car they could easily insist you come into the office every day of your notice and give you the worst possible jobs to do.

So it may come down to would you rather have a month's paid holiday or the car!

It was their decision to place me on garden leave, I would have worked my notice.

Undervalued

MissMotivation wrote: »

It was their decision to place me on garden leave, I would have worked my notice.

Yes indeed. But it is also their right to call you back in at any time during that garden leave so it could be if you insist on keeping the car they will do just that.

TELLIT01

If there is any doubt about your right to use the car I would simply say don't drive it. In doing so you may be driving uninsured, and the letter from your employer would potentially support that view if you were stopped by police.

JReacher1

I'm slightly confused why you didn't hand in your notice yourself. Did you send your partner into the office with a letter giving notice? Why didn't you do it yourself?

It sort of implies you've had a falling out at work and are not leaving amicably. That could be why they want the car back as People can be petty.

Legally I think you don't need to return it to the last day of your contract. You're still being paid and will receive all the benefits of employment until then.