Unsure how to procedd, Self employed Van driver

[hobnob]

If the electronics company only asked for the money back after you signed the new contract, it would be worth double-checking that contract in case they put in any sneaky clauses, e.g. "I accept responsibility for any damage caused during the last 6 months". (Those hypothetical clauses might not be legally enforceable, but step 1 is to be aware of them.)

[Mordac]

Who covers your insurance to drive the van in the first place? Assuming you are actually covered, and not therefore driving illegally, there is an insurance policy somewhere which covers you for this accidental damage. And if you don't know your insurance position, you probably shouldn't be doing any sort of driving job. Either way, you shouldn't need to pay £400 a month for 20 months to cover damage which should be covered by insurance.

[SueEllen]

Who covers your insurance to drive the van in the first place? Assuming you are actually covered, and not therefore driving illegally, there is an insurance policy somewhere which covers you for this accidental damage. And if you don't know your insurance position, you probably shouldn't be doing any sort of driving job. Either way, you shouldn't need to pay £400 a month for 20 months to cover damage which should be covered by insurance.

That's a point even with a high excess you shouldn't owe £8K unless the fleet is self-insured. If it is then as other posters have pointed out that is likely an unfair term in your contact and you should go see an employment lawyer.

[northernladuk]

I still think the best form of defence in this case is attack. Getting your status changed to employee and all the benefits paid retrospectively is going to cost a lot more than the 8k he's fraudulently (IMO) trying to sting you for.,

I know it's your job and that but from where we are sitting the little worm needs ripping a new one.

[css_jay99]

A simplistic approach. If the customers are chasing the logistic company for damages, won’t it make sense for the OP to go and work for another company instead and ignore the lot?

[d000hg]

The whole thing sounds dodgy. "You caused £8000 damage, hey do you want a full-time job?"

[TestMangler]

The whole thing sounds dodgy. "You caused £8000 damage, hey do you want a full-time job?"

^^ This

[northernladuk]

^^ This

This?

[vetran]

This?

Goatse?

[northernladuk]

Goatse?

To be fair they appear to be asking him to bend down and take it so probably yes.

I do hope some noobie is wondering what Goatse is and has googled it.. but I'm a bit evil like that.