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AIBU?

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To have claimed this as an expense?

113 replies

Wealthabd · 12/10/2025 17:45

Something happened at work and I was very upset, manager told me to go home and would I like the company to book a taxi for me. It’s a long journey home and it could be anywhere from 1.5-2 hours drive and probably cost around £100.

I felt uncomfortable at the cost (even though the company were paying) and so I got the train, they know I’m struggling financially and the extra £20 I had to pay (my original ticket was for a set time) is actually a big cost to me. I’ve raised the ticket as an expense, fully open about what it was when raising it.

Now the company have acted like I’ve tried to steal from them. I really didn’t think I’d done anything wrong (ans it was 80% cheaper than the taxi) and I feel it could have been resolved with one conversation but they’ve now got senior management involved.

OP posts:
wishitwasntme123 · 12/10/2025 18:08

I think OP was ill and they said they would wt her a taxi home. She said no - would make her own way home - and she usually gets the train. So company shouldn't pay

Arlanymor · 12/10/2025 18:07

Coconutter24 · 12/10/2025 18:05

Did they offer to book the taxi or offer to pay for the taxi? They are two different things

Yes this - it sounds like your manager asked if you wanted them to book a taxi - not necessarily pay. Unless they have an account and said: “Do you want us to book
a taxi on the company account?”

Nickisli1 · 12/10/2025 18:06

I've have had a taxi booked for me by work before (i was pregnant and had fainted so they were worried). As part of this they paid for it. It doesnt feel appropriate for me to have expensed the train because this would be considered my normal journey to work. I see your logic but also your company's. I think it very much depends why they suggested you go home and whether they felt they had a duty of care

sunshine244 · 12/10/2025 18:05

Was the taxi perhaps just to the train station?

Coconutter24 · 12/10/2025 18:05

Did they offer to book the taxi or offer to pay for the taxi? They are two different things

Moonnstars · 12/10/2025 18:03

Also as you were upset, did they not want to put you in the taxi to ensure you made it home safely? By getting the train you made yourself seem in an ok state and therefore they might be questioning how in need you were.

steamingin · 12/10/2025 18:02

They offered to book you a taxi. Did they specifically state they were paying for it?
It sounds like a misunderstanding. I hope it's sorted soon.

Moonnstars · 12/10/2025 18:01

Wealthabd · 12/10/2025 17:45

Something happened at work and I was very upset, manager told me to go home and would I like the company to book a taxi for me. It’s a long journey home and it could be anywhere from 1.5-2 hours drive and probably cost around £100.

I felt uncomfortable at the cost (even though the company were paying) and so I got the train, they know I’m struggling financially and the extra £20 I had to pay (my original ticket was for a set time) is actually a big cost to me. I’ve raised the ticket as an expense, fully open about what it was when raising it.

Now the company have acted like I’ve tried to steal from them. I really didn’t think I’d done anything wrong (ans it was 80% cheaper than the taxi) and I feel it could have been resolved with one conversation but they’ve now got senior management involved.

Were they actually offering to pay for the taxi for you or were they just offering to book one for you?
I wonder whether in your distressed state you misunderstood the offer, thinking they were being kinder than they were.

PoppySaidYesIKnow · 12/10/2025 17:59

How would you normally get home?

Evaka · 12/10/2025 17:53

Hi OP. This sounds messy. Did you agree expensing the train instead of a taxi with the same manager who offered the taxi as a duty of care?

Would they have had to request the duty of care travel?

Sounds daft if they're disputing the difference given it's only 20 quid but more info would help.

Are they actually accusing you of stealing?!

Littletreefrog · 12/10/2025 17:52

What have they actually said? Sounds just like a mix up that needs resolving rather than any huge drama or accusation of stealing.

Whenindoubthugitout · 12/10/2025 17:52

Were the company absolutely paying for the taxi?

I wouldn’t have submitted the expense without a conversation with my line manager to say that’s what I was doing, as it will be outside of the company policy.

to have submitted it without clarification that this was ok - you have opened yourself up to being questioned.
I am sure it will be fine, but alway best to check before submission if it’s not a normal item.

Hope you are ok x

Wealthabd · 12/10/2025 17:49

And just to add, they offered the taxi as a duty of care and when I uploaded my receipt there is a specific category about sickness/travel.

OP posts: