Regular payment withdrawn

[AndyPIT]

Hi everyone, I'm hoping someone can help please

Situation is: I have been in FT employment for 5 years. For the last 2 have been receiving a regular fixed amount payment on top of my salary in lieu of a car (I have written evidence)

 

Employer is now threatening to stop paying this without explanation or reason.

 

Where do I stand on this?

[Emmzzi]

What is in your contract?

 

Do you actually do business mileage and if so how does that work?

 

ETA: written evidence of what?

[AndyPIT]

Thanks for your response Emmzzi

 

My contract was drawn up long before I started to receive this payment. And I don't do any business mileage, the payment is for cash alternative in lieu of company car

[Emmzzi]

Ok. So if it isn't in your contract and you don't do mileage

a) why are you getting it and

b) tell us more of this evidence

[AndyPIT]

Thanks

 

a) I receive this as a cash alternative to a company car as part of my salary package. I don't have a need for a company car, it's just additional benefit offered as part of the pay grade I am on

b) I have an email from Senior Management detailing how the amount is calculated (based on a scale A-F) and that it will be paid monthly

 

Thanks

[Emmzzi]

So it's a non contractual benefit. Is it being withdrawn for everyone on your grade?

[AndyPIT]

That's right yes

 

As far as I am aware only me, as everyone else as a car rather than cash in lieu. Their company cars aren't being withdrawn

[Emmzzi]

the cars are probably on 3 years hire contracts so no point in withdrawing them immediatley if times are hard... I'd check with the boss

[AndyPIT]

OK, my question is around whether they can withdraw the payments. This is a payment on my salary that I've had for 2 years + now, so an assumed payment

[Emmzzi]

so you are going to argue custome and practice? I'd say not. And if all you have is something saying "we make the discretionary payments like this", they are still discretionary.

 

This is where union membership comes in handy, of course. As they could ask the pointy questions to see what is really going on.

[AndyPIT]

ok thanks, sounds like I don't have a leg to stand on . no union in place

[Emmzzi]

um, well, I'd have a conversation about why it is only you!!!

[becky2585]

Is there a company car policy? It doesn't necessarily need to be contained within your contract.

 

Have they at any point said its discretionary? What reason have they actually given for withdrawing the benefit?

[ericsbrother]

Ask when you are going to take delivery of the car.