Work are saying its my responsibility..........

[hoolagirl]

I work from home.
I have handed in my notice, 2 months.
On friday a new staff handbook was emailed to everyone.
Last page reffered to home workers.
Never had anything reffering to us before (there are 3 of us).
Basically, it is my responsibility to return the computer and all equipment to the office when my employment ends.
I live about 50 miles from office and do not drive, how the hell am i meant to do this and can they make me?
Also the broadband connection for work is in my name and I was not to mention that I was using it for work or it would cost more.
Help!

Do you have a written contract?

Yes, i've worked for them for 6 years.
There's no mention of this in contract.

Is it in the staff handbook...if so have you signed anyting relating to these terms..

Well I think it's commo sense isn't it to return your own equipment?

If you have a uniform/tools etc I have always returned them upon terminating my contract.

How did you receive them when you started?

How did the equipment get to you in the first place?

Either keep the broadband connection and just keep paying the bill for the residential use, or just cancel it.

I would talk to your manager and just say you have a practical difficulty...s/he may say 'oh we'll pick it up' - if not i would put in writng that the staff handbook was not in existence when you took the equipment into your home, you are therefore assuming that the rule cmae into place for people starting home working after you did, and look forward to making an arrangement to get it delivered.

But the statement is ambigous: If it is simply your responsibility to make sure it is returned (i.e not left in your home for ever!) then get it couriered by van - you make the arrangements, but the comapnay foots the bill. It doesn't actually say you ahve to pay for the return transport, does it?

It seems fair to me that they would ask you to return it, and any staff handbook variations do apply to you.

However, there is no harm in calling and asking if someone could collect it. Maybe there is an employee who lives close to you who could get it?

I agree with lazyline I am afraid. Bit naughty re the broadband but loads of businesses do the same.
Speak to your boss and explain, I am sure they can be reasonable - or if not try HR - you never know - some of us are understanding types

The IT guy from my work brought down the computer etc in his car and set it up for me.

I have a feeling that this section relates particularly to me about returning it etc.

They know I don't drive.

I was thinking of using a courier, but don't have any boxes etc to put computer in as these were never supplied.

The email came from HR.

A handbook forms part of your terms and conditions of employment. Any variation should be signed in agreement by you as it is a change to your terms and conditions.

I would just reply and point out that as you have only just been informed of the variation to your contract and can they please clarify exactly what they expect of you as you do not drive and you live 50 miles away. Suggest what you can do to rectify the matter 1, have the equipment collected 2, have it couriered if they arrange for relevant secure packaging materials to be delivered to you and cover the cost. Also say how it would be in there interest to have someone IT literate to disconnect it and collect it anyway etc

If they get funny, point out that you have not agreed to the variation of contract and therefore you are not contractually obliged to follow it.