Access to Work - quotes and suppliers

Demerara

Hi All,

Does anyone know if alternative suppliers to the ones in the AtW assessment can procure the items that have been recommended? That is, if I find an alternative supplier who offers the same price as the lowest one quoted in the report, can I use them?

I am asking because my employer is likely to take MONTHS to have the supplier quoted by AtW on their finance system and if I can have the items sooner, it'd be of massive help (especially since I had to wait 6 months between my self-referral and getting the report)

Jude57

Demerara said:

Hi All,

Does anyone know if alternative suppliers to the ones in the AtW assessment can procure the items that have been recommended? That is, if I find an alternative supplier who offers the same price as the lowest one quoted in the report, can I use them?

I am asking because my employer is likely to take MONTHS to have the supplier quoted by AtW on their finance system and if I can have the items sooner, it'd be of massive help (especially since I had to wait 6 months between my self-referral and getting the report)

AtW make suggestions of suppliers but don't, as far as I know, insist you use those suppliers. Remember, their report contains recommendations for equipment that may be a practical help. They don't have any powers to insist employers provide or pay for the equipment.

If you're prepared to pay for the items without reimbursement and your employer agrees in writing that you can use the items on their premises and you agree that you will insure and maintain the items at your own cost, you can choose whichever supplier you like. Don't order from your chosen supplier without your employer's written agreement if you expect them to pay.

If, on the other hand, you want your employer to pay for, insure and maintain the equipment, then you'll be at the mercy of their processes. I don't understand how it could take months to have a supplier added to the system but I accept that you know your employer. Is your manager supportive of your need for the equipment? Not that it should matter because it's not their decision as to whether you need it, clearly you do, but they can perhaps persuade the finance team to hurry things along. Or, if you know anyone on the finance team, you could butter them up.

Brie

I'd be asking the employer if they are ok to reimburse you for the cost.  it saves them the hassle of onboarding a supplier which can be a difficult process for some companies.  they likely already have a way to reimburse employees for travel, meals etc.  

My current alternative is to check on Freegle if someone has something I might be able to use at work.  The keyboard and mouse I use cost about £100 each new no matter where you get them - unless they are second hand.  Freegle might get me a suitable alternative for free which would be great as my new employer is a charity and I don't want to divert ££ that they could be using for their good works.  

Demerara

Thanks both, I think the last time I had equipment through AtW, it took my employer 3 months to add ONE supplier to the system!

I have thought of paying for the items myself then claiming them back but I know this will be an issue as well.

I also know if I tell them to go through a supplier already on the system, they most likely won't as they will be worried AtW won't reimburse them. And the AtW guidance is clear as mud on this.

Demerara

If it can be of any help to anyone, employers CAN buy from other suppliers than those in the assessment report. However, any purchase will have to be below or of the same price as the lowest quote.