Resigning and return of work equipment

[ann4812]

Unfortunately I have resigned from my job, been there a long time but things have changed the past couple of years and I’ve found myself more and more unhappy and stressed.

I have been signed off with work related stress, during which I have resigned, due to finding another job that hopefully will be better. My sick note runs to the end of my notice so u won’t be returning now.

Within 2 days of resigning, I have been contacted multiple times by supervisors, HR, colleagues stating that my work equipment (laptop, uniform, access card etc) needs to be returned within 2 days. My notice period runs for a month.

I am aware that this is company property and will need returning, and I am of course planning to do so. But AIBU to find this a bit much when I’m off with work related stress for them to be demanding everything back straight away?

For context, I’ve genuinely been unwell, although I have a new job I am down about the end of my career as I thought it was going to be. Where I need to return my equipment to is over an hour from me, and I am likely going to need someone to come with me to support me due to how I feel about work at the moment and the anxiety it’s causing me and has caused me.

I have obviously not been using my work equipment while I have been off sick and don’t plan to do so, it’s just the pressure being put on me within days to get it back. AIBU or is this normal?

Are you a union member OP? Your rep may be able to assist (it’s what you pay the subs for). I’m sorry to hear you’ve been forced out of your job, and hopefully your new employer will be a better one.

I am, and my rep said it just needs to be returned before the end of my notice, and it should be at a time mutually convenient to both myself and work.

Yes, my other job doesn’t start until after my notice period is over and I have officially left current job.

So it’s not convenient now. I wouldn’t worry, they’re in the wrong here. Just pick a date near the end of your leave, or earlier if you want, but as long as it’s on or before the last day you’re fine. Put yourself first.

Could the company organise a courier pick up due to circumdlstances? Or would they allow you to organise courier to return?

Why does being off with stress effect you physically getting to the office? Are you signed off driving?

Will you magically be fine to drop it off in a few weeks time? Just get someone to go with you maybe? Or is there a colleague there that you trust that you can meet with and go in with them?

The op is signed off sick...say she had COVID would you expect her to return it then? She could return to work within her month notice period, so how does she work?

Unless you work for MI5 there’s no reason a courier can’t pick up. DPD etc will do secure collections.

Could you contact them via email (so it's recorded), and ask that, as you are unwell, please could they arrange a return. Most companies would do this. Good luck and hope you recover soon.

Mine arranged secure courier to pick it all up from my home. Can you ask if they will do this?

This. This is what you should do. This is what I have done in the past. Make sure you write a list of what you think they are expecting to be returned and get their agreement. If they are going in more than one box make sure to list what is on n each box and label the box - I had to return 4 boxes - so they were labelled box 1 of 4, box 2 of 4 etc. don’t worry how many boxes you use - just make sure they are packaged as well as you can. But you are signed off you have every right to say you are not fit to drive all that way and enter the very same place that’s made you unwell. Just keep any communication business like and professional. And make sure you arrange a time slot/ day for them to pick the stuff up.

btw - if you are anything like me you will feel a huge sense of relief to have their stuff out of your home. Good luck x

We have the option of:

• returning to employee's usual office location
• returning to another office location
• returning via courier The latter two need a business justification, but being signed off sick and therefore unable to travel to the office would count.

If things are couriered, we arrange the courier because of the security requirements, which can vary by role and project, but can be highly restricted.

So I'm with those who suggest you should ask, as you're currently unable to travel because of ill-health, which courier will they be using, so you can arrange a suitable time?

Tell them to come and get it.

Tell them you are ill and ask them to send a courier for the items as you will not be returning anything until X date.

If you are technically still employed by them, even if off sick ( if I have read this correctly) then surely as long as you return any equipment etc prior to actually no longer being employed by them should be OK? ,(IE doesn't have to be returned while still in their employment). Maybe list everything / take a photo, & have it returned by courier or a friend? (And request a receipt?).

Just get it back to then asap OP, you are not the only person here who is having stress over this. The office IT people, the admin people, etc etc will all be wanting to just get this job done. Ask them to arrange a courier or for someone else to drop it off for you.

Wow some really vile comments on here from people who have no comprehension of work related stress and how being in s toxic work place can impact on your mental health.
i just wanted to say i had the same and luckily got another job which i love. I wish you luck in yours and hope this gets resolved.

Have you reported your sexual harassment to the police? Perhaps you should as it has caused you to resign your job.

Just return the stuff asap. It will be a massive weight off your shoulders.

When I left my supermarket job, I got a rubbish bag (they are clear) from work and threw in my uniform, badges, hi viz and locker key in there.

Went to the CSD and dumped it there saying to the colleague that’s all my stuff. Never returned to the store.

OP, get someone to drive you to the place you need to return the uniform, laptop etc. When handing them over, keep the talking to the minimum. Sign paperwork that you have returned the items and leave.

Also one for the future. Got a pension with them? Transfer the funds to your new employer or get a pension fund. As when you retire you don’t want to see your employer on your bank statements etc. I opened a pension fund with the money I made in the pension pot.

I had almost 17 years service. Then a new store manager bullied me completely destroyed my MH in 17 weeks before I handed my notice

Post the stuff back securely or tell them they can collect it

Well said. See my PP.

The job market is rubbish, AI that scans many CVs now doesn’t understand transferable skills. It took me 10 months to get a job. Then as my job is in the civil service, many checks including DBS. Got the checks have been done around 10 weeks later. Then got a start date 4 weeks later.

I have lovely supportive managers.

You are ill. Tell them that they need to arrange collection. Have you tried asking ACAS for advice?

Your employer should arrange for a courier to collect on the last day of your employment. You are still legally an employee up until 12.00pm on that day. However, for your own peace of mind, you may want it collected sooner.

Op holds all the cards, she has the items. What are work going to do, send the police round?

Get someone to take it back or arrange a courier.
Don't make drama.