Costs for getting to interview

[Deleted User]

Got an interview for a job thats based locally but interview is in London. Train there is going to cost over £100.

Would the employer normally pay expenses for anyone attending interview like this? Or can I claim benefit for it or something?

Thing is £100 is a lot when you dont have a job. Its more than a weeks benefit for me....

soolin

It depends on the employer, your invitation letter should tell you if expenses are paid.

bluecelticgirl

I would definitely ask the company if they will be paying your travel expenses - some do - some don't. I would expect a decent company to pay them.

If they will not pay try your Benefits Office - they can pay some travel expenses - not sure how much though - but you must get this approved by them before you go - they will definitely not pay retrospectively.

heretolearn_2

You could ask nicely.

It's an unusual situation in that it's a local job but you have to travel so far for the interview.

bristol_pilot

Go by coach, it's cheaper.

Some employers pay expenses, others don't. Nothing wrong with checking beforehand.

[Deleted User]

Its because the company in question is based in London but just opened an office in Cardiff. As such, all the IT staff are still in London.

Seems strange though that they want everyone to trek to London....

Its quite a good job and I do want it but it is £170 on the train (if you dont book in advance that is) and its still a lot of dosh if I dont get the job. After all, I'd expect they'd be interviewing at least 10/15 people.

Bus could be an option though. megabus is cheap aint it? Just takes twice as long as the train to London. Train 1he 45min Bus about 4 hours I think. :-(

persa

[quote=[Deleted User];43481558]Thing is £100 is a lot when you dont have a job. Its more than a weeks benefit for me....[/QUOTE]

[quote=[Deleted User];43481558]Its quite a good job and I do want it but it is £170 on the train (if you dont book in advance that is) and its still a lot of dosh if I dont get the job. After all, I'd expect they'd be interviewing at least 10/15 people.[/QUOTE]

Are you claiming JSA, OP?

I recently had an interview in the big smoke myself, for which the employer was not prepared to offer travel, so my local Job Centre issued me with a rail warrant. The official 'travel to interview' scheme has been scrapped, but that doesn't mean there definitely isn't funding available. I think the travel costs come out of a different pot now, but my Job Centre definitely is still offering help.

If you are claiming JSA, ask you local Job Centre. You may be pleasantly surprised:)

However you do it, I really hope you find a way to get there without breaking the budget. Being offered an interview is great news.:)

Drea

The coach to London takes just over 3 hours. Most trains aren't much slower and a return coach costs around £20.

WPN

£170 for a job interview... if they aren't paying expenses, its best not to bother. After all, should you think you did well (or did badly) and ended up not getting the job you will feel emotionally drained. I find it unlikely that they would pay £170 travel per person.

I think the coach idea is better... just need to make sure whether you get there by train or coach, that you allow for delays, and enough time to find the place and prepare etc. personally after long journeys I need time to adjust and relax, depending on the time of the interview could be a good idea to get a bite to eat and something to drink while you go over info on the company etc. (make sure not to spill anything though!) So 45 mins to an hour early I would recommend as a minimum.

I dont know why the company has not hired a coach to transport people there. Its best to check out JCP... as mentioned above the scheme has been scrapped but there are other pots available just depends on your adviser to whether you can claim.

[Deleted User]

Newport to London by train is 1hr 45min but walk up fare in the mornings is around £170. However, thanks Drea, had a look at megabus and its about £20 or so and takes 3hrs 15mins. Not many buses a day but hey.....

So dont mind £20 if its going to be my money...

Israfel

I've taken the megabus up before Paul, it's not the lap of luxury but it's fine and i think for the sake of an hour, saving 150 quid is a good bargain. Good luck with your interview