Travelling for work - not daily commute

AubreyMac

I'm asked to go to Oxford as part of my work.


Work will pay for my return train tickets and hotel (2 nights).


What annoys me (but I didn't say as I'm new in the role) is that the travel to and from Oxford will have to be done in my own time. i.e. I have to travel on a Sunday and stay overnight just so I can get to the venue for 9am on the following Monday.


None of my previous jobs has ever involved me travelling but is this normal? would it be unreasonable to ask for the time back in TOIL?

Neil_Jones

What is it you do and where are you going to Oxford from?

dj1471

It's normal to be paid overtime or given TOIL.

What does your contract / terms of employment say on the matter?

Presumably you get other expenses paid in addition to the travel and hotel costs?

PasturesNew

It can be perfectly normal and expected.... but whether you're prepared to accept it, or just leave, will depend on how much you like the job and company - and what they're paying you.

I've done it in loads of jobs, for no time off and no extra money .... it's just "expected" in many firms. I've also jacked in those jobs when they've really taken the p155.

AubreyMac

I work in social services and travelling from London.


I'm not sure on contract actually, best dig it out.


But I think it's to be treated like any other day where I'm working at a different office - the commute is to be done on my time. Though there's no harm in asking my manager directly (but as I'm new I'm reluctant if it makes me look like I'm moaning).

AubreyMac

dj1471 wrote: »

It's normal to be paid overtime or given TOIL.

What does your contract / terms of employment say on the matter?

Presumably you get other expenses paid in addition to the travel and hotel costs?

A meal comes with the hotel booking, other meals I will have to get myself upfront then claim for a reimbursement.

Savvy_Sue

Where I used to work, certainly the time taken for travel to training at head office could be added to our normal commute time on our timesheets - although in my case it took no longer to travel 20 miles by car than 5 miles by public transport.

Where I work now, I've never asked for time off for extended travelling but then it's generally been for training, which I see as for my own benefit as much as the company's.

I'd say there was no harm in asking what normally happens when you have to make a much longer than normal journey. Or check your staff handbook.

warby68

Don't complain, just ask what is the norm?

In my large PLC, its generally normal to travel in your own time if its just an occasional thing - seen as a general requirement of the job. Also generally normal to finish and leave early on the return leg where possible when the journey is long.

If its say, a training course, yes you'd travel there probably the night before but in all probability the last day would include a 2 or 3pm finish to partly claw it back.

This has never changed in 30 years as has the expectation that you suck certain things up.

People who travel frequently tend to either manage their own time or will have arrangements with their line management involves some time off when the travelling has been particularly onerous.

I'd be wary of the earlier answer that payment or TOIL is the norm - it hasn't been in my 'corporate' experience - perhaps different in public sector?

getmore4less

in the places I have worked one off were part of the job more regular travel and international there was a bit of flexibility but we never had hr-4-hr TOIL, after a trip it might be a lazy day at home just covering emails or an extra day at the destination(if a nice one), my preference was overnight flights where possible.

The trick is to try and make best use of your time

Not the ideal time of year but I would get an early train and have a day out in Oxford, check for any events Sun & Mon nights.

If regular that can wear a bit thin I would sometimes take the OH or add days and make a mini break.
Also if regular I look for hotels with better facilities in the same budget, Sun night is often good for deals.

Does it have to be train?
if you can use a car that opens up more possibilities for hotel location you only have to get close enough to get to work by 9am.

74jax

AubreyMac wrote: »

I work in social services and travelling from London.


I'm not sure on contract actually, best dig it out.


But I think it's to be treated like any other day where I'm working at a different office - the commute is to be done on my time. Though there's no harm in asking my manager directly (but as I'm new I'm reluctant if it makes me look like I'm moaning).

If you only live in London, why don't you travel on the morning?

74jax

AubreyMac wrote: »

A meal comes with the hotel booking, other meals I will have to get myself upfront then claim for a reimbursement.

Just ask for breakfast to be added to the hotel booking too.