WFH costs

Neutron808

I work from home since the pandemic started and I won't be returning due to health reasons. I use my own computer, BB etc should the wokplace contribute to the cost of this and utility bills?

[Deleted User]

That's a conversation to have with your employer.

You should be provided with the tools to do your job, but they're very unlikely to pay your utility bills, especially if they maintain an office.

Sandtree

How has your BB bill changed since working from home? Assuming it hasn't then no. Companies used to pay to have ISDN lines installed for home workers back in the days of dial up etc but given that almost everyone these days have decent enough speed broadband and unlimited data there is no need for a dedicated business internet.

You can negotiate with your employer to increase your pay to compensate but they are likely to point out that its more than offset by your saving on commuting, food at work etc.

DE_612183

you can of course claim tax relief.....

Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Working from home - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Ath_Wat

Do they want you to work at home, or is it your decision?

Brie

Not sure that all companies supplied lots but ours gave us all laptops, mobiles, proper office chairs, monitors, keyboards etc.  Some people pushed really hard and were given desks too.  All for reasons of workplace/reasonable adjustments to keep us healthy.

sammyjammy

DE_612183 said:

you can of course claim tax relief.....

Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Working from home - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Only if OP is working from home at the employers bequest.

TELLIT01

Is there a net cost to working from home.  Presumably there were travel costs previously, possibly also clothes only worn for work plus other ancilliary costs such as lunch, coffee.....

mcpitman

I doubt there are any net costs to working from home for most people.

I started working from home, before it was became more popular.

Working at home vs commuting to work saves me £400 per month, so I'm not going to ask my employer for a fiver for the BB bill.

In most scenarios people are better at home due to the reduce commuting costs/hassle/time.

Wyndham

mcpitman said:

I doubt there are any net costs to working from home for most people.

I started working from home, before it was became more popular.

Working at home vs commuting to work saves me £400 per month, so I'm not going to ask my employer for a fiver for the BB bill.

In most scenarios people are better at home due to the reduce commuting costs/hassle/time.

That really depends on how far away you are from the office and how long it takes you to get there. And what you do for lunch. All variables, so it's impossible to say.

Last time I worked in an office, I was two miles away from it, and either took a bus (subsidised bus pass, £10 per month) or walked. Some packed lunches, some bought, but a very different overall figure from yours.

Now, working from home, costs are mostly around heating - and we all know what those bills are doing right now!

Undervalued

TELLIT01 said:

Is there a net cost to working from home.  Presumably there were travel costs previously, possibly also clothes only worn for work plus other ancilliary costs such as lunch, coffee.....

Exactly!

Unless you live within walking distance of work, you will have a significant saving in travelling costs.

Buying lunch and expensive coffee is optional, you can perfectly well take whatever you would eat at home with you to the office.