Working from Home FAQs
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When I am working from home am I covered by the University’s insurance?
The University’s Public Liability Insurance policy covers staff during their normal course of work, including working from home. The University’s Employers’ Liability Insurance policy applies in the same way as if the employee was working at their usual place of work. Staff are advised to check with their home insurance providers in relation to any possible impact on their own policy.
- How do I look after my wellbeing while working on my computer at home?
Working from home in the current environment isn’t normal, and it’s ok if it doesn’t feel normal but there are things you can do to help. It is particularly important to take regular breaks and maintain positive wellbeing when working from home.
Make sure to get up and move at least every 25 minutes – getting outside, some fresh air or even just undertaking some simple stretches, such as those suggested by the NHS.
Please also check out the Working from Home advice on our Staff Wellbeing page.
- What should I do if I'm finding Teams calls are being set-up on a continual basis as we continue to work remotely?
It is important to take breaks throughout the day to maintain your health and wellbeing.
Schedule out some time in your day where meetings are not put in the diary. Staff can also try a meeting free afternoon in the week to offer some time to catch-up and to take a break from Teams meetings.
- I am feeling isolated and I would like to return to working on campus even though I can work from home.
If you are feeling isolated at this time, please discuss with your manager to see if there are any options which will help you feel more engaged and connected whilst remaining at home. There also may be opportunities for you to do some work on campus but an appropriate risk assessment will need to be done before this could happen.
The government advice is to remain working remotely for the time-being, if you can do so.
- As I work from home, can I reclaim expenses associated with acquiring equipment and maintaining a home office?
The University is not proposing to cover additional expenses and discourages staff purchasing their own equipment and printing materials. If lockdown continues for a significant period of time, consideration will be given to the equipment needs of staff working from home.
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Can I claim tax relief for working from home due to Covid-19?
Currently the University has no plans to pay a tax free sum of up to £6 per week to staff members in relation to additional household expenses incurred when a staff member is working from home due to Covid-19.
However you may be entitled to claim tax relief directly from HMRC, on £6/wk (tax savings worth £1.20/wk (about £62/year) for basis 20% rate taxpayer and £2.40/wk (about £124/yr) for higher 40% rate taxpayer). Therefore if you have extra costs due to necessary working from home you can ask for the amount to be deducted from your taxable income.
If you believe you have higher increased costs then you can claim more than £6/wk, but you will need evidence of the cost increases. A claim can be made through your HMRC self-assessment form if you complete one. Alternatively you can complete an online P87 form through your Government Gateway account or by filling out a postal P87 form and sending it to HMRC.
HMRC has issued guidance on the tax position where employers reimburse expenses for employees working from home as a result of coronavirus and this can be accessed here.
For any other queries, please contact the Salaries Office.
- My colleague is not working any more hours than I am, but I am being paid part-time and they are being paid full-time.
The University is managing a major crisis at present and having stability for the workforce at this time is critical to ensuring health and safety. The University acknowledges that remote based work is working well for the majority of staff, but there will be some staff members who will have additional capacity at this time. Managers are continuing to ensure where possible that staff are utilised to their best effect and to full capacity.
When the situation starts to settle, staff will be asked to do commensurate work in line with their hours and they may be asked to work a different pattern to accommodate the Public Health Agency guidance. Staff may also be asked to undertake different tasks as and when required.