Employed but using own tools

[JulianC]

Well, after setting up as a self-employed domestic spark at the start of this year and seeing work dwindle away to nearly nothing I have managed to find myself a full-time job as an electrician, employed by a local renewables company. Came just as the money was running out so I am somewhat relieved!

I will be their only electrician on a new venture fitting stuff in domestic properties. It has already been established that I will be using my own tools and test equipment but, as this is new territory for both of us, I was wondering what was the norm out there - does your employer give you a tool allowance? Or replace damaged/worn out tools for you? Or are you left to sort stuff out yourself and buy things out of your own pocket? This is up for discussion with my new employer so I wondered what I could reasonably push for. Cheers.

 

[mnmwill]

If your using your own tools I would definatley push for an allowance of some sort. Also calibration of your testing equipment should be at their expense. I dont know what you could reasonably expect as a tool allowance as have not been in your situation.

 

[Guest123]

Hand tools will be at your own expense. If you're using your own power tools, any repairs should be paid for by the company aswell as meter calibration and repair.

 

[ian.settle1]

Well, after setting up as a self-employed domestic spark at the start of this year and seeing work dwindle away to nearly nothing I have managed to find myself a full-time job as an electrician, employed by a local renewables company. Came just as the money was running out so I am somewhat relieved!

I will be their only electrician on a new venture fitting stuff in domestic properties. It has already been established that I will be using my own tools and test equipment but, as this is new territory for both of us, I was wondering what was the norm out there - does your employer give you a tool allowance? Or replace damaged/worn out tools for you? Or are you left to sort stuff out yourself and buy things out of your own pocket? This is up for discussion with my new employer so I wondered what I could reasonably push for. Cheers.

Hand tools are your responsibilty but any power tools and test equipment should by supplied by your employer if you are cards in but if you are a subby then you may need to supply the power tools and test equipment.

 

[b-spark]

If you cards in phone your local tax office and ask for your tax code to be changed. You get tool allowance only small but helps.
I think more companies are expecting you bring the part p to the table as being electrician in general. So dont think they will be arsed to pay more. As you walk out the door another sparky walks in nowadays. Moneys tight. No need to rock the boat if you know what I mean. I've laid a couple off recently.

 

[chris gray]

yeah tool allowance paid via reduction in tax payments through the year, think its about £120 a year now back dateable for 5 years.
this is available to anybody who is employed and uses their own tools.

 

[mogga]

errrr Hand tools ect MY responsability power tools,testers employers as is PAT testing them and calibration checks possibly insurance on power tools ect as well

 

[JulianC]

Thanks for the info everyone.

 

[alarm man]

yeah tool allowance paid via reduction in tax payments through the year, think its about £120 a year now back dateable for 5 years.
this is available to anybody who is employed and uses their own tools.

i remember speaking to a sparky mate of mine a while back who claimed tax allowance on washing his work clothes,this conversation took place in a pub i may add,but apparently you can claim it...dont ask me how tho'

alarm man

 

[JulianC]

i remember speaking to a sparky mate of mine a while back who claimed tax allowance on washing his work clothes,this conversation took place in a pub i may add,but apparently you can claim it...dont ask me how tho'

alarm man

That's true. My wife's a plumber with the local council and I think she claims summat like £40 quid a year. There's a form to fill in. I'll ask her when she gets home.

 

[sparks72]

I wouldn't upset them just yet, get to know them before demanding any sort of allowance.

 

[mogga]

the allowance for "washing" is for uniform ie embroydered with company logo ect