Return of company car after dismissal

[Wirral1]

I have very recently been dismissed by my employer and I have received a letter to say that due to damage to the company car that I returned they will be taking an amount from my final pay. I disagreed with there to being any damage to the car and told them that before they get any work done to the car I need to get my own independent mechanic for a second opinion and if needed a second independent price for the works.

1. They didn't give me the chance to get a second opinion or price
2. They got work done to the car that wasn't highlighted in the letter they sent to me

Do I legally have a leg to stand on to take this further?

[wales01man]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

If they got the work done on the car do you agree there was damage at the time you returned it?

[Wirral1]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

As far as I was aware, and I have told them this in writing, there was no damage to the car.

[wales01man]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

Have you seen a damage report? and the invoice for the repair?

[Wirral1]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

I haven't seen a damage report and they have sent me an estimate from a garage which also highlights work that was not on my original letter

[wales01man]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

If its an estimate has the work been done if not have you asked to see the car?

[Wirral1]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

I have rang the garage and they told me the car is there, I asked if I could bring a mechanic to see the car and they told me they are dealing with the company not me and wouldn't let me come. I have rang my old company and they have told me the work is being carried out and they don't have to show me the car because its a company vehicle not mine.

[des8]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

Hi and welcome.
When you returned the vehicle, did you just drop it off on the firm's premises, public road or car park or
did you actually hand it over to another employee?
Was an inspection carried out at the time? or was the alleged damage noticed by your ex employers later?
If later, how long after hand over and where had the vehicle been subsequent to hand over?
What was the damage, and would it have been noticeable on inspection at hand over?

[Wirral1]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

The car was taken off me roadside by the police, and the car was impounded and the company picked it up from wherever it was impounded. It was taken off me on the 22nd and I received a letter on the 25th. The "alleged" damage highlighted in the letter was to the bonnet, the estimate dated 24th was for the bonnet and the rear side wing.

[des8]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

Hi Wirral1 again
Our posts crossed.
If they won't allow you to see vehicle one has to ask "what are they trying to hide?"
I would now start to confirm everything in writing (recorded delivery) as it is unreasonable of them to have work done at your expense without letting you examine the alleged damage. If this escalates you may need a paper trial to show the employer acted unreasonably.

[labman]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

Was there anything in your contract about the potential for this to happen?

[Wirral1]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

I have asked to see the car and they wont let me as they tell me the car is in the garage having work carried out

[wales01man]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

Do the police not note any damage when they seize a vehicle?

[Wirral1]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

There was no damage noted by the police

[des8]

Re: Return of company car after dismissal

Won't ask why vehicle was taken off you by police, but if it was impounded and removed from your care and protection IMO your ex employer is skating on thin ice if he deducts the costs from your final salary payment.

Once the vehicle was taken from you, you had no responsibility for it.

He would have to prove it was damaged whilst in your care, it is not for you to disprove his allegation.
As it was in a pound for some time, out of your possession, the damage could well have occurred then,
and that is not your responsibility.