Having to pay for Christmas dinner when at work.

dawyldthing

I'm just asking as I'm intregued by it in all honesty (and I think it's quite cheeky of them in all honesty) but just wondered what others opinions on it are.

Basically I work as a support worker and my employers are apparently setting on a Christmas party for all the service users (sounds like there's going to be a few hundred there). If you are on shift with them then they want you to pay £10 towards it (same cost as what the service users will be paying).

To me, when I would be there in works time supporting a service user (if I am on shift) I think it's a bit cheeky expecting us to pay to go to a party and I just wondered what everyone else thought/ anyone's elses experiences of this kind (it's the first time in 4 years they have organised something like it but they have started to link all the areas so I think it's why they are starting to organise bigger events)

asajj

Not unheard of. Some companies ask employees to contribute towards it some not. Depends on their financials I believe.

Serendipitious

I'd just pay and enjoy the dinner. £10 is relatively inexpensive when you take into account a substantial meal including all the festive extras. The atmosphere will be fun and lively, the service users will enjoy it and you'll meet others in your organisation. You probably won't need to cook when you get home either!

charlieismydarling

I'd tell them where to reposition their party to be honest. If they want you to attend to support a service user then go and don't eat.

They can't make you pay to attend if attending is obligatory. Chancers.

charlieismydarling

Actually it is more than cheeky, it is outrageous that they expect you to go aandpay.

comeandgo

I see no problem in you paying, you will be paid as it is your working day. if you can't pay then maybe take your own?

amandacat

If you are on shift then you shouldn't have to pay as you have no choice.

The normal procedure is that the service users pay enough to cover the cost of the party, which would include the support they need to attend (so effectively covering staffing costs) or the employer should pay for staff.

Care employees are on such rubbish pay as it is, you would think the employer would put their hands in their pocket at Christmas!

Get all the staff to make a stand. If you feel strongly you could phone ACAS for advice.

theoretica

If they are spending the money all on food, or subsidising it and spending at least £10 on food, I think it is reasonable to say either pay or don't eat/drink. If you need to be there working I do not think it is reasonable to be asked to fund decorations and music etc.

liney

I think they have a darn cheek in telling you that you are to pay when you are obliged to attend. The charge to the service user should cover all staff and food, even if this means the staff do not eat. Secondly, you are not enjoying the same party experience as the user, so why should you pay the same fee, even if you wanted to eat?


I'd tell them I was unwilling to pay, so not to roster me to work that day if it's a problem.

elsien

Is it residential or supported living?
When we were residential, the home budget covered staff accompanying service users to events (within reason), but there isn't the budget for this in supported living so service users would have to pay the cost for the staff accompanying them. This would be regardless of the type of event, as the LA refused to fund a staff recreation budget for supported living, saying that that's what their benefits were for.
So in your situation in supported living, technically the people you are accompanying should pay for you. If this feels uncomfortable, if it were me, I would prefer to have the choice of paying it myself and tuck in, or support the person without paying but not eat. I would not want to be told I had to pay myself with no other option.

We also arranged fund raising events with service users throughout the year to subsidise the Xmas party - perhaps you could suggest similar for next time.

dawyldthing

liney wrote: »

I think they have a darn cheek in telling you that you are to pay when you are obliged to attend. The charge to the service user should cover all staff and food, even if this means the staff do not eat. Secondly, you are not enjoying the same party experience as the user, so why should you pay the same fee, even if you wanted to eat?


I'd tell them I was unwilling to pay, so not to roster me to work that day if it's a problem.

That's my thought as its not like if I went to a party and I could have a drink, Id be in works time so would only be able to drink soft drinks