Are employers legally bound to pay for your travel expenses after a Xmas meal/party ?

hilda1

I have just changed jobs.

My previous employer would always pay for travel home (for me normally a shared taxi) after a Xmas party/dinner.

My new employer has just advised of this year's Xmas dinner and party. However, they haven't mentioned paying for travel to home after the event.

Could someone please advise me whether they are legally obliged to pay for travel home after the event or whether it is a gesture of good will.

Many thanks.

Sambucus_Nigra

No - they aren't legally bound. It's a perk not a business requirement.

Uncertain

Certainly not!

They are not obliged to provide a party at all (unless is is specifically part of your contract - which is very unlikely).

Poppie68

Nope just the same as your not legally bound to go if you dont want to pay for transport home.

MissSarah1972

hilda1 wrote: »

I have just changed jobs.

My previous employer would always pay for travel home (for me normally a shared taxi) after a Xmas party/dinner.

My new employer has just advised of this year's Xmas dinner and party. However, they haven't mentioned paying for travel to home after the event.

Could someone please advise me whether they are legally obliged to pay for travel home after the event or whether it is a gesture of good will.

Many thanks.

Why would they be legally required to pay for you to get home? Surely the party is not compulsory?

hilda1

Many thanks for clarifying...I won't bother this year then.

paddyrg

If you're new to the company, then do bother - it is a chance to spend some social time with colleagues and it may be quite helpful

caeler

Not required to pay, however to play devils advocate, your employer has a duty to care towards as a Christmas Party can be seen as an extension of the workplace. Here's an interesting article: http://www.personneltoday.com/Articles/16/11/2011/56872/weekly-dilemma-work-christmas-parties.htm

zagfles

caeler wrote: »

Not required to pay, however to play devils advocate, your employer has a duty to care towards as a Christmas Party can be seen as an extension of the workplace. Here's an interesting article: http://www.personneltoday.com/Articles/16/11/2011/56872/weekly-dilemma-work-christmas-parties.htm

This sort of c**p is why so many companies (like mine) no longer have an "official" Christmas party. The employees organise parties themselves.

Uncertain

paddyrg wrote: »

If you're new to the company, then do bother - it is a chance to spend some social time with colleagues and it may be quite helpful

Very very sadly, in some companies, that may well be true!

go_cat

hilda1 wrote: »

Many thanks for clarifying...I won't bother this year then.

How odd the only reason you are not going is because they aren't paying for a taxi home for you!!

Can you not drive, catch a bus, share a taxi with new colleagues?