Company Mobile Phone problem

rajanm

Hi all,

I'm looking for a bit of advice.

When I joined my employers in early 2014, they asked if I wanted a separate business mobile or if I wanted them to take over my personal number which would mean that they would provide me with a new phone and pay my bills.

I decided to go with the single phone option. In the last month, I have switched jobs and want to now get a PAC code so I can take my personal number and switch to another provider.

My now old employer has said, the only way I can get my PAC code is if I pay them £1250 to buy out the remainder of the business contract. The alternative is that I set up a direct debit to them for the cost of the contract. The contract is £40 a month and can't be downgraded. It also has 2 1/2 years remaining on it!

Does anyone know what my rights are in this situation and where I might be able to get written advice on this that I can show to my old employers? Unfortunately it's a small company and so there's no HR manager I can consult.

Thanks
Rajan

Guest101

Whichever option, whether you decide to challenge it, or pay it, surely it's cheaper and simpler just to get a new number?

sangie595

Written advice won't help you- you asked them to take over your phone and they did. It now belongs to them. They have made a financial commitment on that basis, and if you want the number, you will have to pay them for it.

rajanm

That's what I've been thinking. It's a pain though but might be the best option

rajanm

If I give them the phone and the number, am I under any obligations to them? Can I just simply get a new number?

sangie595

rajanm wrote: »

If I give them the phone and the number, am I under any obligations to them? Can I just simply get a new number?

No, if got hand it over then you owe them nothing. Just get a new phone and number.

ohreally

Don't know if I have this right, can you give them the sim and you walk away with your phone and get new sim and new number?

TELLIT01

ohreally wrote: »

Don't know if I have this right, can you give them the sim and you walk away with your phone and get new sim and new number?

The OP said that the company provided a new phone, so the phone is also their property.

newwave19

The advice given above is definitely the cheapest option. I take it they upgraded your phone within your 3 years with them, or have you still your original handset?

xapprenticex

1st world problems..

gettingtheresometime

Obviously depending on the cost per month what about asking if it's possible to dis-associate your present phone /number from the group contract so that at least you'd get something for your £1250?