Payment for travel time

NoAngel

I'm doing some freelance work now that my maternity leave is over but I've never done anything like it before. The people I am working for pay a set amount per day. The next job they've asked me to do involves travelling down the night before, staying in a hotel and working the next day. (They are covering expenses).

We haven't yet discussed pay but I was wondering if its reasonable to expect them to pay me for my time the day before for the travelling? I have a baby and will have to arrange childcare for her for the afternoon, overnight and full day of work rather than just for the day of work itself.

Unsure of the norm here, any advice appreciated.

DomRavioli

As a contractor, it isn't normal for me to ask to be paid travel time - you chose and accepted the contract with the terms attached to it.

cazziebo

Agree with Dom Ravioli - not usual to charge travel time as such but I would ensure the rate charged would reflect this. It doesn't look as if you have that option.

It's not about childcare. Having to travel the day before probably excludes you from taking on work that day. Could you suggest you charge a half day rate to compensate for this?

HappyMJ

NoAngel wrote: »

I'm doing some freelance work now that my maternity leave is over but I've never done anything like it before. The people I am working for pay a set amount per day. The next job they've asked me to do involves travelling down the night before, staying in a hotel and working the next day. (They are covering expenses).

We haven't yet discussed pay but I was wondering if its reasonable to expect them to pay me for my time the day before for the travelling? I have a baby and will have to arrange childcare for her for the afternoon, overnight and full day of work rather than just for the day of work itself.

Unsure of the norm here, any advice appreciated.

The norm is to not take the job explaining why. It isn't economically viable for you to do it. They may up their offer or just find someone else. They (in my experience) don't hold it against you so don't worry too much.