Paying for meals if working away?

littleboo

monkeychops wrote: »

I do know he can claim back expenses such as meals and mileage but obviously we have to wait until next year for that. I just think the company are being a bit mean

I dont think you do need to wait until next year, I think you can estimate the amount for the year and get your tax code adjusted. HMRC will check actuals at the year end and adjust next years tax code if necessary. Worth giving them a call.

As to the suggestions to get meals invoiced as accommodation, that's called fraud.

Tiddlywinks

Regardless of whether we all think it's fair or not, the company isn't offering a meal allowance so your OH needs to take the job or leave it - that's what being self employed is all about.

Vectis

monkeychops wrote: »

..........

I only asked if it were normal for a company to pay for an evening meal if working away from home so not sure what your comment of me "being a bit keen" is meant to mean!


It seems that no one can make any sort of post on this forum lately without someone being rude to them.........

Well, I've read the whole thread and I can't honestly say anyone's been rude to you.

Your husband is self employed though, so things tend to be slightly different to being an employee. As others have said, he can claim back some expenses on his self assessment.

And whether or not you or anyone on here thinks the company is being mean or not is irrelevant. He accepted those terms, presumably he could have queried them. And even if everyone does think it's mean, what would you do about it? They're not obliged to pay for his meals.

I'm sure he'll move on at the next opportunity anyway, so it may only be short term.

JCS1

littleboo wrote: »

I dont think you do need to wait until next year, I think you can estimate the amount for the year and get your tax code adjusted. HMRC will check actuals at the year end and adjust next years tax code if necessary. Worth giving them a call.

As to the suggestions to get meals invoiced as accommodation, that's called fraud.

They are self employed, so no tax code to amend as such.

jobbingmusician

If, as been suggested, the company is willing to pay slightly more for an hotel, could you look for a bed brekkie and evening meal place?

bugslet

Is it his own van?

Can he rig it so he could run a small fridge and micro in it? I know one lad the leaves home for a week and takes 4 home-made meals with him that need throwing in the micro.

Alternatively, cook in the van. Link for Luke's site, scroll down and welcome to his in-cab cooking yout tube vids.

https://www.youtube.com/user/lukemvernon

But to answer your question, if he's self-employed, well its tough. If he was employed, that would be different, then you would expect an evening meal allowance.

catkins

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

Regardless of whether we all think it's fair or not, the company isn't offering a meal allowance so your OH needs to take the job or leave it - that's what being self employed is all about.

Really useful post!

monkeychops

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

Regardless of whether we all think it's fair or not, the company isn't offering a meal allowance so your OH needs to take the job or leave it - that's what being self employed is all about.

I didn't ask if it is fair or not, I asked if it is usual for companies to pay for an evening meal. Over the years OH has worked for a few companies where he has had to go away and has always had his evening meal paid for. I do realise that it not compulsory but I wanted to know if it were the usual thing to do.


I think we both realise he has a choice to take the work or leave it but as we need money for food, bills etc it's not really a much of a choice.

Vectis wrote: »

And whether or not you or anyone on here thinks the company is being mean or not is irrelevant. He accepted those terms, presumably he could have queried them. And even if everyone does think it's mean, what would you do about it? They're not obliged to pay for his meals.

He did query them but, as I said, he is not in a position to rock the boat as he hasn't long worked for them.



I don't intend doing anything about it. As I said I just wanted to know what the norm is.

bugslet wrote: »

But to answer your question, if he's self-employed, well its tough. If he was employed, that would be different, then you would expect an evening meal allowance.

Thanks for that!


I was just asking for people's opinion on what was normal in these circumstances. As I say, all the other companies he has worked for paid for an evening meal.


I can't work out if this company is extremely stingy or is having money problems. Not paying for an evening meal, paying a really low rate for mileage, making him pay for materials needed and then not paying for a completed job until 2 or 3 weeks later

Kathy535

I stay away quite a lot and while my evening meal is paid for I did try and get creative with making food in a hotel room as I got fed up with eating out.
Pasta and sauce: Take a Tupperware container or click and lock box, pour boiling water over filled pasta and leave for 5 mins and repeat. Pour pasta sauce into a re sealable freezer bag and heat in a mug with boiling water poured over.
Couscous: couscous in the Tupperware box, add enough water to cover and a bit of salt. When cooked add food of your choice, I liked feta, cucumber and tomato
Poached eggs and ham: break the eggs carefully into your Tupperware box filled with boiling water and cover and leave until ready (about 7-8 mins)

Allegedly it's possible to boil an egg I. The kettle but I never had the guts to try it!

As you say, rotesserie chicken is a nice change as are the hot curries that some supermarkets offer to takeaway.

Is it possible for your OH to book self catering accommodation? They usually come with a microwave and hob so he could bring meals from home and heat them up.

bugslet

monkeychops wrote: »

Thanks for that!


I was just asking for people's opinion on what was normal in these circumstances. As I say, all the other companies he has worked for paid for an evening meal.

When I said it's tough, it was just an expression, as in that's life, not a dig.

I think the rest of the post was suitably helpful in the way of suggestions.