HCI (homer computer initiative) Problems HELP!

Hi,

My artners work offered him a HCI scheme, he pays £42 per month and has done for 6 months.

The things we got were

Apple Mac Cinema Screen
Palm computer/Sat Nav thingy
Speakers
Wireless Keyboard
Printer/Scanner/Fax all in 1.


Now stupid I know but everything didnt work apart from the screen as we had a Mac. But it took us ages to complain, and then we never followed up on it.

Now my partner is set to leave his employment or even get unlawfully sacked, and is looking for another job in the meantime.

I want to sell my Mac but would like to sell the screen too.

what I want to know is if I can send it all back as most is in brand new condition and only been out of the box once, or can I purchase it even though I have only paid ofr 6 months!?

If ANYONE knows anything about the HCI schemes and can advise us we really would be grateful!!!!

[HelenAJ]

I know that one of the HCI schemes has gone into administration- I don't know how that is going to affect people and their computers though or if they can request them back as they haven't paid the full amount for them......

Yes I was shocked when I did a bit of digging yesterday that the HCI scheme was removed in the budget.

I have read that my partner will need to pay the whole lot back in his final wage and hand the equipment back, how is that fair when its HIS company trying to sack him!?

We will be a grand out of pocket and not even keep the blimmin stuff!

[pieterclassens]

Unfortunately the terms do state for the HCI scheme that if you leave your employment or are dismissed you must pay the remainder of the debt. And you have to hand the equipment back because technically you havent bought it, you have leased it. In the same way if you were to continue employment you have to make the monthly payments and cannot pay it upfront. If you sell the equipment ahead of time as I said you must bear in mind that technically you are selling something which isnt really yours and you are opening a serious can of worms. Thats why the scheme is brilliant but is a very serious committment. As far as the dismissal is concerned that needs to be taken up with a tribunal. Not sure how this would work if at all but perhaps you could mention at a tribunal if it got that far, that you are worried about the scheme you are in and if you have any recourse as you feel your husband is being unfairly dismissed. Me thinks a solicitor needs to look at this case and the any impact it has on your HCI scheme and what your options are.

Good luck and let us know what happens next!!!

Well he cant take it as far as tribunal as he has only worked for the company 10 months, however he is on sick leave, and contemplating staying sick until he gets to a year employment then they will be really stuck to sack him...honestly we were not going to sell it, just an idea....

[liz4paris]

Hi
I have purchased computer etc on the same scheme through my employee a local county council.
One item was a Apple Ipod which was stolen a few weeks ago. How do I stand in regarfds this????
I am covered on house insurance, but my house insurance people have advised they will not pay oiut as the ipod was in a car which was boken into ( in a backpack) and so theyw ill not pay. The owner of the car is unable to help under his insurance!!!
Any ideas???

[Rich44]

was the backpack not in a covered boot most policies will pay out if it was they only wont pay if it was on a back seat