Mandatory NHS training costs.

braun_2

Hello,

I work for the NHS.

I've been told that I need to go for some training. Although this training is not required by law, my line manager would like us all to have it as it allows us to work more flexibly/efficiently. It has been booked in and we have been told to turn up.

However, It is nearly 100 miles away. We are expected to pay for our own travel and or accommodation. I have estimated this to be between £100 - £150.

I don't want to refuse the training and be disciplined. But this is a decent chunk of my weekly take home wage. Is there anyway of claiming these expenses back?

getmore4less

They should pay for the costs through expenses.

Ask for an expences form to make the claim

add you can't afford it and will require a cash advance on expenses.

Why are they saying they won't cover the costs, go over the head and to the union if they carry on with that attitude.

It seems to be prevelent(experience of multiple hospitals) in NHS to try and avoid paying expenses to lower grades when they should, bet the managers get all their expenses.

mumonashoestring

Have they actually said they won't reimburse you, or have they said you're expected to make your own arrangements (which is pretty common and most employers expect you to do this, keep receipts and then claim your costs back)? I've worked for a few employers, NHS included, and only one of them has given the option of booking train travel and hotels on a company account because it got them a discount. Everywhere else I've had to pay up front and claim back.

What I would be careful of is how long it'll take them to reimburse you - especially if you'd have to pay on a credit card and would risk being charged interest on the payment if you couldn't pay it off before your statement date. It's perfectly reasonable to talk to your manager about assistance with this if paying is going to cause you financial hardship.

pmd123

I've worked in the NHS nearly 10 years, and have never heard of anyone having to pay for their own expenses for training. I think policy is that you can only claim travel at a public transport rate, but if it involves an overnight stay (depends on the distance from home) then this would be covered by the organisation.

Can I ask what part of the NHS you work in? If you are in a small organisation like a GP practice then they may have their own policies on training, but I certainly don't think you should be obligated to do this at your own expense.

ohreally

Your manger is wrong. What are the union reps in your dept saying?

Mileage is .67ppm home/venue/home (less commute miles).

Parking charges.

Meal allowance - check Annexe N of your T&C's.

"actual, receipted cost of bed and breakfast, up to the normal maximum limit set out in Annex N; plus a meals allowance, to cover the cost of a main evening meal and one other day-time meal, at the rate set out in Annex N".

Are you travelling in work time, if not get paid travelling.

lr1277

Since you haven't said, are you bank staff employed by NHSP? If you work 'directly' for an NHS organisation, then I would expect your employer to pay.
When was employed by NHSP and required to go on a training course, I had to pay travel. My manager was nice enough to pay for my hours whilst I was on the course.

braun_2

Thank you all so much for the replies.

Just to clarify.
I work directly for an NHS primary care trust in a hospital.
The training is in work hours.

Searched my contract and does mention agenda for change. It seems I can claim travelling mileage. But is this for mandatory training only?

Also, Its two hours drive so ideally wanted to stay in a hotel the night before. Otherwise i'd be driving 4 hours a day. Does anyone know if I can claim back the cost of a hotel?

Thank you

pmd123

Primary care trusts ceased to exist in April 2013, I presume you are talking a foundation trust? That aside, I would expect a four hour round trip to be enough to warrant an overnight stay, if it was one of my staff I wouldn't expect them to travel there and back each day unless they wanted to do so.

Who was it exactly who said you had to pay for your own travel / accommodation? was it your line manager or HR department? I suggest looking at the trusts policies on expenses and training, both would normally be on your intranet site, these should give you further guidance on what can and can't be claimed for within the trust, but if you can't find what you need I'd suggest a quick call to HR to get their views on this.

Takeaway_Addict

ohreally wrote: »

Your manger is wrong. What are the union reps in your dept saying?

Mileage is .67ppm home/venue/home (less commute miles).

Parking charges.

Meal allowance - check Annexe N of your T&C's.

"actual, receipted cost of bed and breakfast, up to the normal maximum limit set out in Annex N; plus a meals allowance, to cover the cost of a main evening meal and one other day-time meal, at the rate set out in Annex N".

Are you travelling in work time, if not get paid travelling.

I know this is a splash in the ocean for the NHS but this is kind of indicative to why costs must be cut.

ohreally

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

I know this is a splash in the ocean for the NHS but this is kind of indicative to why costs must be cut.

Fine - provide pool vehicles then.

Takeaway_Addict

ohreally wrote: »

Fine - provide pool vehicles then.

My point was that the recommended is 45ppm yet the NHS pay 67ppm, it all adds up and 45ppm is more than adequate.