Emplyoyer refuses to provide tools for the job

Ozzuk

andydownes123 wrote: »

I can see some huge GDPR problems here. Really, you should not be allowed to bring your own laptop on site due to the new regs - or at least have encryption software installed.

I must admit I like to blame GDPR for most things, but I don't see a GDPR issue here. It would be the OPs personal data and he doesn't have to store it on the laptop.

OP...I've never heard of this in over 20 years working in IT! I'd be pushing back...hard...and would be prepared to walk.

They might also face a licensing issue - its probable any software you are using is licensed for personal use only, not business use (worth checking)

Dannygrove

Thanks for all the replies.
In answer to a few of your questions:
The team is just me and my line manager. It’s a new in-house team where previously they outsourced design services. My manager too has to use his own laptop.
They allowed me to add the latest software to my machine, which would deactivate if I left, which is what I would expect.
As far as I know, nobody else has to use their own equipment, as they’re all in Sales or back end support roles. I spoke to the IT manager who seemed surprised at the situation and stated that none of the machines they had would run the kind of software that I need.
I guess my real issue is that in over 15 years of working in design companies, this is the first time I have been expected to provide my own equipment. It’s not like they are a small obscure company either. This is a well known, high street brand. Looking at their policies today, their own computer use policy expressly forbids bringing in personal IT equipment. All very odd.
Think I’ll start the job hunting again in earnest.

Savvy_Sue

Dannygrove wrote: »

Looking at their policies today, their own computer use policy expressly forbids bringing in personal IT equipment. All very odd.

Then that is what you flag up, and keep flagging up. Someone has asked you (and your manager) to breach the company's policy. Probably because no thought has been given. And no budget provided. There are COSTS involved in providing in-house services, and if these services were previously outsourced then the savings from that need to cover the in-house costs!

But join a union, please ...

System

Ozzuk wrote: »

I must admit I like to blame GDPR for most things, but I don't see a GDPR issue here. It would be the OPs personal data and he doesn't have to store it on the laptop.

OP...I've never heard of this in over 20 years working in IT! I'd be pushing back...hard...and would be prepared to walk.

They might also face a licensing issue - its probable any software you are using is licensed for personal use only, not business use (worth checking)

Any addresses, contact details of clients that happen to be on the personal laptop could be a problem

ReadingTim

Dannygrove wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies.
In answer to a few of your questions:
The team is just me and my line manager. It’s a new in-house team where previously they outsourced design services. My manager too has to use his own laptop.
They allowed me to add the latest software to my machine, which would deactivate if I left, which is what I would expect.
As far as I know, nobody else has to use their own equipment, as they’re all in Sales or back end support roles. I spoke to the IT manager who seemed surprised at the situation and stated that none of the machines they had would run the kind of software that I need.
I guess my real issue is that in over 15 years of working in design companies, this is the first time I have been expected to provide my own equipment. It’s not like they are a small obscure company either. This is a well known, high street brand. Looking at their policies today, their own computer use policy expressly forbids bringing in personal IT equipment. All very odd.
Think I’ll start the job hunting again in earnest.

Many companies have BYOD policies, although they usually tend to apply more to things like mobile phones - for example allowing you to access your work e-mail and calendar via your personal mobile, or accessing the work network via a personal laptop. It's not that strange, and is thought to be a benefit to some employees. Millennials innit?!? And as stated elsewhere on this thread, providing your own tools is commonplace in some jobs/industries.

From what you've said, it sounds like the company is looking to bring certain services back in-house, but doesn't want either the expense of buying (perhaps specialist) IT kit right now or perhaps the hassle of going through the IT procurement process, which, the larger the organisation is, the longer it can take.

Personally I don't think there's anything that odd or sinister about it, but if you're not comfortable with doing it then simply move on. That said, if you already have the kit, and aren't in the habit of destroying or losing laptops, you're making a rather large fuss over an event which is relatively unlikely to occur...