Cant afford to go to work......

annie123

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Flexibleworking/DG_10029491

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/index.htm

see if the above links help

hth

onlyforboards_2

epsilondraconis wrote: »

I think it is worth being mindful of the fact that we are currently in the depths of a serious recession and that there are probably many people reading this thread that have lost their jobs and would gladly take the place of the OP. The OP has posted on an internet forum that they are being asked to drive a few extra miles to work everyday and that they are finding it inconvenient and more costly.

You can't expect people to simply write, 'it is lawful and that there isn't a lot that the OP can do'. If the OP was in the position where they had lost their job and was desperate to find another and they had read this same thread, perhaps their perception of the situation would be a little different.

I am not saying that the OP shouldn't be annoyed at the situation. As I have already posted, I was in his same position, I think that perhaps they should look at what they have got and not what they haven't got. It is all a matter of perception.

It is not a matter of perception if the OP genuinely cannot afford to get to work they cannot afford to get to work no matter how many people tell them they should be grateful to have a job.

barnaby-bear

onlyforboards wrote: »

It is not a matter of perception if the OP genuinely cannot afford to get to work they cannot afford to get to work no matter how many people tell them they should be grateful to have a job.

I think people are saying their transport costs are not excessively high and that the money issues must come from other expenditure etc and that this is a fairly high priority expenditure. I couldn't afford to get to work if my mortgage was twice it's value. If the OP was on benefits and refused a job on the grounds of the journey are doing they would lose entitlements so there is some basis that the journey is reasonable.

onlyforboards_2

barnaby-bear wrote: »

I think people are saying their transport costs are not excessively high and that the money issues must come from other expenditure etc and that this is a fairly high priority expenditure. I couldn't afford to get to work if my mortgage was twice it's value. If the OP was on benefits and refused a job on the grounds of the journey are doing they would lose entitlements so there is some basis that the journey is reasonable.

Yes I do see that but what is the point telling the OP that they made a mistake with their mortgage when right now they need to figure out if their employer can terminate their employement because they cannot get to work this week.

Lol I got fed up with people hijacking requests for advice to tell people they are dole scum and now the complete opposite is happening people are being told to be grateful they have a job whenever they request information about their employer's obligations. And now I'm as off topic as everyone else!

grace1990

Surely it should be, can't afford not to go to work! How stupid is this country!

epsilondraconis

Perhaps the OP should post their statement of affairs (income and expenditure) on the debt free wannabee board.

Coupled with this, perhaps they could contact one of the debt free charities to determine whether they should go on a DMP or something similar. Perhaps by freezing the interest of some of their debts, they could then afford to get to work.

How about selling things on e-bay or at car boot sales to make some more money?

I haven't time to go through the whole thread again, but have they phoned ACAS to ask their advice? Sorry, if this has already been mentioned.

I understand this doesn't answer the question about whether the OP can be made redundant. Unfortunately I am not an employment lawyer and so all I can do is offer other help / guidance / advice.

My intention wasn't to have a go at the OP in my previous posts. I guess BarnabyBear summed it up better than me in that it isn't just the additional travel expenses that have tipped the balance.

Treacle1983

Oh dear - this thread is falling to bits - we are meant to be helping guy's - not sticking our oar in.

Yes - she is lucky to have a job and a car in this grizzly economy.

But I agree with her that it is a bit out of order expecting her to start commuting so far.

I would really have a chat with your boss - explain about your increased costs in getting too and from work and ask for some help to meet those costs.

The worst he can do is say no.

If you are still unhappy then start looking for work nearer to home - just make sure you have a new job before leaving your old.

I hope it works out.

roxalana

Does your employer have an excess travel policy? Where I work you can be relocated and you don't have a choice but you can claim for excess travel expenses for a period of time (I think it is 2 years) if "the difference in distance between home and the new workplace and home and the old workplace is greater than 10 miles one way."

However, this doesn't take into account public transport difficulties etc i.e. if you got the bus before and no buses serve the new location and it is less than 10miles difference you get no help.

Reds-on-Sea

Travel distances are usually calculated as the crow flies, are they not?

The only way you'll get through this (for now & until they transfer you OP) is to cut back in other areas of your outgoings. Seriously, apart from mortgage, bills (you could prob reduce these) and food, being able to get to work is the next highest priority. WIthout being able to get to work, you won't have any money to do even the things above it on the list.

Make a list of your outgoings - then prioritise them, then get rid of the stuff you can live without or cut back on. It's the only way if your employers won't budge.

I've done the very same myself, I spend soooo little money, but I know it won't be forever, and I'd rather be in a job with a roof over my head than not.