To wonder about the heating bills for WFH?

[CheetasOnFajitas]

It’s occurred to me, now that colder weather has set in and it looks like those who can do so will be WFH for the next 6 months- the heating bills are going to be through the roof!

Has anyone’s employer acknowledged that home-based employees are going to have to bear this cost? I know for some it will be offset by no commuting costs, but not for all: my husband and I cycle to work normally.

I do acknowledge that I am personally lucky to (a) have a job that can be done from home and (b) have a job at all.

You wear really warm clothes - several layers.
I use a small oil radiator which is right next to my chair. And you can add a hot water bottle if you like. Only put the central heating on in the evening. Once it's winter - no heating on yet.

And no, my employer wouldn't for one second dream of contributing to utility costs, or to the cost of computer equipment or wifi. And pays peanuts.

Jeez the race to the bottom comments are pathetic!

No one should be grateful for a job and accept poor working conditions

I'm not saying it's ok. It's shit. But employers take advantage of people who for whatever reason need to work from home. If they need you more than you need them - then you should negotiate.

Yes it's a bit shit.

I recall WFH in winter meaning lots of layers and no heating on until it drops to the temperature at which I can no longer type. 14c for me (poor circulation, cold hands).

Once you start putting the heating on during the day, it's a slippery slope and an expensive one.

It gets worse!

Responsible for keeping you warm?????

Get on the phone to ACAS now.

It's probably been said but self employed people can knock a sum off their profits to account for this. If you're able to discuss it with your employer, that would give you a reference point.

If you keep receipts can you claim for printer paper ink etc from HMRC?

I have worked from home for well over a decade. The amount you can claim back for tax purposes before it counts as a Benefit is minimal. Most people save in time, travel costs, food and work, life, balance.

I always say, ask yourself, would you really be happy to go back to the office, travel, get up earlier and pack your lunch? If the answer is yes, then do it at the first opportunity.

I live in the north and only struggle with the cold from late October to early April. That said, would I prefer to go in the office? Like hell I would.

@mumwon

If you keep receipts can you claim for printer paper ink etc from HMRC?

Your employer shouldn’t be expecting you to pay for this! We can order from our company stationers and have it delivered home.

Use the money you're saving from not commuting

Public sector and work at home mostly, even prior to COVID because the council can't afford to provide us with office space. Quite used to having to use my own heating, lighting and WiFi.

Lots of great solutions here and you're finding an excuse for all of them. Do you just want to moan OP? Alternatively, put a jumper and blanket on and get on with it. If you're that bothered, go back to the office?

Not really in my experience pre covid. but I don't need house on 25 degrees. I loke cold-ish as it keeps my brain going. It's gone up just few pounds. I saved hell of a lot more on travel that it covered this AND canteen (which served just cheap stuff anyway).

Ime overall is a gain. I value my time a lot and so saving time travel is also a benefit in my eyes.

Where did anyone say it was “the most of their problems?”. I missed the rule that said you can only talk about the biggest and most important issue in your life.

You are the one getting wound up here, so to you it obviously is a big thing. In terms of inconveniences right now it is low to anyone sensible.

Sorry for the typos 👀

Ime overall is a gain. I value my time a lot and so saving time travel is also a benefit in my eyes.

I would prefer to be in the office some of the time so not sure I 100% agree. But can see I’m bloody lucky even so.

Xiaoxiong can you get hold of gloves with the ends of the fingers missing. Can't think what they're called - Albert Steptoe used to wear them in Steptoe and son, and so did market traders when gloves would be impractical. They keep the hand and the bottom of the fingers warm, so only the tips get cold.

@Pumpkinnose

How much are you saving on travel? How much could your employer save by getting someone in a cheaper area of the company to do your job?

Read the OP - they cycle to work so are not saving anything.

As my mother used to say - thermals and a jumper, were not putting the heat on until January.

You can apply through the government for £6 per week towards WFH expenses btw.

@ShandlersWig

It gets worse!

Responsible for keeping you warm?????

Get on the phone to ACAS now.

In the office that is literally the law.

You are saving money I expect on coffees and lunches etc so I would offset that against the extra money spent on heating, working from home during the winter sounds great I would love that instead of defrosting my car and braving the cold/wet.

@Burnthurst187

Use the money you're saving from not commuting

Use your eyes to read the OP.

In the office that is literally the law

No it isn't, there isn't a legal min or max, but the guidance is that it's a reasonable temp.