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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To refuse to travel with work colleague?

38 replies

workingmumof2cb · 21/09/2018 20:14

My place of work has recently opened another office which is based roughly 25 miles away from my usual place of work (45minute drive each way). I’m required to work at the new office 2-3 times per week, which is fine as I enjoy the change of scenery. However, I have now been told that whenever travelling there I must first meet my colleague at original office and travel to and from other office in her vehicle! This is to save money on mileage costs. However, I have 2 young children who access child care, and if I were to receive a phone call to pick them up early for whatever reason, I would not have access to my own vehicle to get back! My boss has refused to allow me to take my colleague in my vehicle as it means she can’t access a certain funding loophole (!?) AIBU?

OP posts:

Fiffyshadesofgreymatter · 21/09/2018 20:54

@workingmumof2cb

Refuse. Take your own car. Submit the mileage. If they don't pay, sue. If they try to sack you they will get their was handed to them in a tribunal.

They can't force you to leave 45 minutes before you'd have to and not pay for that time. They can't force you to travel in a car not insured for the purpose as that leaves you feeling the driver is untrustworthy. Just say no.

Lemontart25 · 21/09/2018 20:57

Also in this instance does colleagues car not need to be insured for business use?

OlennasWimple · 21/09/2018 20:59

Unless your child has particular needs that mean you frequently have to leave work to go to them, I wouldn't use the "my kids might get sick and I need to be able to leave at the drop of a hat to get them" argument

I would simply ask what is envisaged regarding days when the other colleague is on leave or sick, or if either of you have a personal emergency which means you have to leave early at short notice.

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 21/09/2018 21:02

I think it might depend if your contract has changed so that your normal place of work is over two offices or if your normal place of work is your original office.

If normal place of work is original office then you're travelling with work so as long as you follow the rules I'd expect to be reimbursed. If you're not following the rules ie want to get there under your own steam then I wouldn't expect to be reimbursed

If your contract has changed so normal place of work is both offices then I wouldnt expect to be reimbursed.

The rules of travel shouldn't be that specific that they favour one employee over another if you're at the same level. If one person is a manager and gets a company car allowance then they can probably insist that you travel with them

If it's a regular thing though they can't leave you stranded in an emergency or so that it would cost you a lot personally to get back.

I think if they are insisting on car sharing, I'd be suggesting that you take it in turns to drive, and that if one of you has to go home early (who knows, your colleague may have to go home ill or have a family emergency etc) that they will pay a taxi that day. Also speaking to your colleague to see if there is anywhere better for both of you to meet.

If it is also adding signifiant time to your journey and it's not in your contract that your office is now split or that you travel with work in your own time, I'd ask it to be noted in flexible working (so if you have to go home early for kids etc there is a bit of give snd take)

OlennasWimple · 21/09/2018 21:06

Suggest you get this thread moved in Legal

There's a load of bollocks advice on here that you should ignore (going to tribunals and suing for the mileage, for eg)

Pitapotamus · 21/09/2018 21:10

Presumably they want you to travel together so that they can pay the mileage of one of you rather than both of you. Can you not just say “I’m taking my own car but I won’t claim the mileage”.

They can’t force you to drive with someone if you can get there by your own means.

PattiStanger · 21/09/2018 21:10

I used to work in a similarish situation before I had children, mileage was only paid to one driver but I could have chosen to drive myself at my own cost as long as I was there on time. I didn't then but now with DC I wouldn't be happy about not having my own car with me.

In your situation I'd be looking for a new job

starzig · 21/09/2018 21:28

Tell them you are taking your own as you have After work plans but don't claim mileage. they can't complain if you are not claiming.

cherish123 · 21/09/2018 21:29

You may need business insurance. However, a boss cannot dictate how you travel to work.

BlackForestCake · 21/09/2018 21:35

Why do they have an office that is only accessible by car?

PattiStanger · 21/09/2018 23:17

Why do they have an office that is only accessible by car?

Where does it say the office is only accessible by car?

And even if it is there's no rule that all workplaces have to accessible from all other places by public transport.

Ariela · 21/09/2018 23:53

I'd ring ACAS, they're very helpful.

starzig · 22/09/2018 01:04

Weird comment blackforest. Many workplaces are not on a public transport or walking route. Major example being motorway service station.

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