work advise /dilemma

[drawboy]

Hello to everyone. I have a bit of a work issue if anyone can offer any advise before I approach the union and human resources dept Iwork in maintenance from a van so I use a Motorola PDA issued by my employer. Around six/seven months ago mine stopped working so I requested a new one, they sent me an old one they had knocking around and told me to use the battery from the old one and the charger too. I kept the old broken one but after cleaning out the van several times it has been mistakenly on my part thrown away. My employer contacted me this week asking for the old one back. I told them that I no longer have it as I had misplaced it sometime in the last few months. They now want to charge me £650 for it. I explained it didn't,t work, had no charger or battery but they are still insisting on the full amount to be taken from my wage.
I have sourced some second hand ones on eBay for £150 but they are saying no they want to take the money still.
£650 seems a massive amount for a broken device. What do you think?

 

[guest100718]

buy a broken one of ebay and give em that?

 

[Rooter]

Can't help on the official line to take, but I would talk to my manager. Sounds crazy dude! Hope u get it sorted.

 

[Laka]

Every company has rules for depreciable assets. That kind of asset cant have many years in depreciable asset. So in the bookkeeping its probably noted for zero pounds now or have little salvage value...

for me its seems blatant to demand so much for something that probably has zero value in the bookkeeping.... but i dont know what is common in such situations in UK...what is the definition for Rip-off..... i can only hope it will be a wise settlement for your concern.

 

[Andy808]

Sounds like you have been done up like a kipper.
Gave you a non working device and TOLD you to dismantle it to repair your one. Now that 6 months have passed and they are sure you have either lost/thrown out the one they gave you they are demanding it back.
Personally I would have a chat with your manager and if you don't get any sense from him take it higher up the food chain until you do get someone who has the sense and authority to write the PDA off and stop the hassle you are getting now.

 

[MegaSteve]

Don't believe they can do what they are threatening...

They'd have to prove gross negligence on your part...

Suggest you take a visit to your local citizens advice bureau...

 

[super hans]

im going to play devils advocate here, with no bad feeling towards you drawboy.........



your company has given you 2 x £650 PDA's, and now you only have one left - where has that £650 hole gone?

I think your company needs a serious look at its procedures- if someone asks for a new/replacement piece of kit - are they really in the business of sending it out with out so much as a signature??

 

[HotDogAssassin]

your company has given you 2 x £650 PDA's, and now you only have one left - where has that £650 hole gone?

But it's not worth £650, it's worth whatever the depreciated value is as mentioned earlier.

 

[Sharktooth]

Speak to your Union Rep. That's what they are there for

 

[CheltenhamHacker]

But it's not worth £650, it's worth whatever the depreciated value is as mentioned earlier.

I would disagree. It's worth whatever the replacement value is.

The depreciated value is an arbitrary value accountants (like me) assign to it. In a practical sense, if they want to use one, it doesn't matter if it has a value of zero, it may cost £100 to buy a replacement, ergo, it has a "worth" of £100.

 

[SocketRocket]

You mentioned you are in a Trade Union. I would suggest that as your Employer is not attempting to reach a mutual satisfactory arrangement you should discuss it with your Union rep for advice and support.