Expensive Employment

Sweetsyd

My daughter lost her job when an airline went bust last year but has fortunately managed to secure another cabin crew job which she started at the beginning of April. The first month of her employment is completely taken up with training which is based at an airport. Training also takes place in other parts of the country. Her problem is that while she is away from home she has to provide all her own food (they pay for an hotel room). As everyone knows, airports are the MOST expensive places to buy food and as it's her first month she hasn't been paid yet. Are her employers obliged to provide meals during her training periods away from home and if not, can she at least reclaim her expenses through her income tax?

mrcow

She should ask the company. They may have a daily rate that you claim.

And make sure she's keeping receipts in case she needs to put in for expenses.

Sweetsyd

Thank you mrcow - the company have already said they won't provide meals but I've told her to keep the receipts in case she can claim back. I do think it's unfair of them to expect employees, who have yet to receive their first wage, to fork out for all meals when they are away from their base.

Plus, I meant to say "hello" to everyone (I've been a lurker for some time now!) and thanks in advance for any advice.

987654

I have no personal experience of this but it does seem unfair. I would have thought they would have at least negotiated a discounted rate for staff - she should check at the hotel if they have any special deals.

Failing that, I suppose cereal bars & pot noodles could feature in her diet!

Has she been able to speak to anyone who has done the course before to see how they managed?

Sweetsyd

Thanks for that 987654 - I'll get her to read this site for the responses I've received.

QuirkyChemistry

If you have a hunt on the Old Style board, there is a thread or two on how to eat cheaply in a hotel room. I know it isn't quite what you were asking but I hope it helps.

Emmzi

A packet of bagels will last 3/4 days in a hotel room and peanut butter is surprisingly resilient :-D
Plus, box of cereal, and long life milk/ wee packs of choclate milk, coffee creamer diluted is totally edible.
I eat in hotel rooms a lot - not for money but because I resent the 2 hours it takes to have dinner in a hotel when i could be doing something more interesting!
I do find it's the booze, not the food, that takes up the money in groups tho...

woody01

My employer doesnt provide lunch either.

Can she not buy a sandwich?

mrcow

I don't think lunch is the problem. Most people wouldn't expect their employer to provide lunch...

More that she is being forced to stay in hotel accomodation with no food making facilities so has no choice but to eat ready-prepared food in restaurants or cold food from shops which is obviously expensive.

mrcow

Emmzi wrote: »

A packet of bagels will last 3/4 days in a hotel room and peanut butter is surprisingly resilient :-D
Plus, box of cereal, and long life milk/ wee packs of choclate milk, coffee creamer diluted is totally edible.

What about dinner though?

sammyjammy

One of the best things (there aren't many) is getting to eat a pot noodle without feeling guilty!:T