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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU but is this a CF

198 replies

MRSMARMITE3 · 27/09/2018 12:59

OH works out of town and has somehow become the company driver! New person started and told the boss that he has a bad back so can't get to work unless someone takes him(let's call new person Bob ).
My OH Lives in the same town so was roped into doing it everyday. He didn't mind at first till Bob admitted lying about bad back cos he didn't want to get the bus or train. He doesn't offer any money and just sits in the car on his phone or moans that the journey takes ages.
Now two more people have started and OH is having to drive them too. He's getting fed up of it and I get he's going that way anyway but no one has offered any money (even a little) . Surely 3 extra adults in the car would create more wear and tear.
OH spoke to his boss and said he's really not happy driving everyone and his boss told him that Bob said he would quit if he can't get a lift so OH needs to drive him. WTF!!!!?
I know it's not my problem but he's always moaning to me about it. I'm just amazed by Bob's entitlement (and also that the boss is feeding into it)

OP posts:
JollyAndBright · 27/09/2018 15:05

Actually I’d start charging them exactly what it would cost them to get a weekly train ticket.

Why should they be saving money when it’s putting your DH out.

Purplepinkpurple · 27/09/2018 15:09

You need to have business insurance. Giving the odd lift to a colleague is neither here nor there however the arrangement you've outlined would not be covered by a basic insurance policy. It would not be too difficult for the insurance company to find out in the event of an accident either, they always look for excuses not to pay.

He needs to let his boss know he's not insured for the arrangement and his fellow colleagues need to make other arrangements.

enike · 27/09/2018 15:22

My brother used to take his co-workers to the shifts with his car. He told them upfront they all have to pay 20 euro per week per person as petrol money, everybody was happy and it was convinient for everybody.

why it is such a big deal to ask for petrol money if its a regular thing?

Biker47 · 27/09/2018 15:25

Has your partner ever considered getting a motorbike for commuting on? That's one way to do it. If it was me though, I'd just tell the boss to fuck off.

Biker47 · 27/09/2018 15:26

In work friendly language obviously though, lol.

emmcan · 27/09/2018 15:33

Is your OH insured for being, essentially, a taxi service? A call to the insurers would probably give him the green light to stop doing it. Where I work won't let you use your personal vehicle for work duties without seeing the relevant insurance certificate.

HazelBite · 27/09/2018 16:52

Biker 47 has it , the wear and tear on your car has been so severe your DH has decided to get a motorbike as an economy measure.
Actuallt my DS has bought a motorbike for commuting and has gotten rid of their second car, saved him and dil a considerable amount.

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 27/09/2018 16:57

Please just talk to your insurer. There is no point guessing what is and isn't covered.

Personally I don't think it matters if he is specifically being given money for it if it is an instruction from his boss he is effectively using it for business. It's outside normal commute and isn't for pleasure. It would be different if he was volunteering to take friends. Being told by your boss becomes terms of your employment

But you need to check. Now

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 27/09/2018 17:12

I would bet he isn't insured....

That should stop him having to do this immediately...

'I've just discovered I'm not covered to transport colleagues to and from work. So this arrangement stops immediately'

WhataLovelyPear · 27/09/2018 17:25

I drive people as a volunteer as part of a local transport scheme. Because I am voluntarily driving them I haven't had to change my car insurance. I am allowed to accept 45p per mile to cover costs but am not allowed to accept tips as the I would making a profit which turns me into a taxi.
That said, it might help for your DH to pretend that it's the insurance that is the issue.
If he accepts more than 45p per mile in total (not 45p per mile per passenger) he will be making a profit which will definitely be an insurance issue and also a tax issue once it goes over £1000 a year. (And business insurance is not enough, as it specifically excludes driving for hire or reward).

Cornishclio · 27/09/2018 17:35

If your husband is fed up with acting as chauffeur, understandably, then he needs to grow a backbone and tell his colleagues he no longer wants to drive a taxi. Nothing to do with his boss and if Bob quits that is the bosses problem. He should be telling Bob and the other two that he can't take them anymore. It is not up to the boss if Bob cant get to work.

Juells · 27/09/2018 17:42

why it is such a big deal to ask for petrol money if its a regular thing?

Because he doesn't want to do it at all? He's being strong-armed into it.

WhataLovelyPear · 27/09/2018 17:50

Phone ACAS if there's any doubt in your mind, but I really don't think your employer can demand you ferry other employees to work. Everyone is right - your DH needs to toughen up (maybe that tried and trusted MN phrase "It doesn't work for me").

longwayoff · 27/09/2018 17:54

Time to see the dr. Stress. Cant come to work for a week. Sorry. Or, if thats too much jiggery pokery, tell boss and colleagues not insured for these passenger trips. End.

Meandyoumake2 · 27/09/2018 17:54

Do the other two drive ? Not bob? Can they take it in turns driving,week around? Otherwise they should 100% be offering money! I wouldn't go one long journey with a friend without at least buying a coffee never mind offering a few pounds!

NewPapaGuinea · 27/09/2018 17:59

So this “Bob” accepted a job he couldn’t get to and then lied about having a bad back? Sounds like a worthy addition to the company!

RandomMess · 27/09/2018 18:11

Tell boss to provide a car for DH to use for work only...

Ffiffime · 27/09/2018 18:14

Insurance will be fine. They’re commuting so commuting is covered and people can give lifts to whoever they want. It’s not during work time so it’s not business use.
People can claim for reasonable expenses and it’s not classed as hire and reward. He can ask for petrol money off his colleagues and so he bloody should. Why the hell should they get to work for free and have your OH foot the bill.

I would skip the boss, it’s nothing to do with him unless he’s paying for it which he isn’t.
I’d tell your OH to text his colleagues and tell them he’s no longer willing to solely foot the bill for getting them to work so they either contribute or find their own way to work.

KC225 · 27/09/2018 18:23

Who the hell gets a lift twice a day for a full working week and offers no petrol money? No night out, my shout?

VickyEadie · 27/09/2018 18:26

So - these people are getting free, chauffeur-driven transport to work that your partner is providing and paying for?

Yeah...I'd say they pay me expenses or it stops. Or I'd just say I'm not doing it any more because it's not my job and I'm not their parent.

StripyHorse · 27/09/2018 18:29

I usually don't agree with pulling sickies but I think perhaps a couple of last minute ones are in order- obviously after the cfs have left their house to get to yours. Let them be late for work because they suddenly have to use public transport.

Same with a couple of last minute errands etc in the evening meaning he can't do the lifts (a phone call to him just before he finishes work in the evening might help).

Or the better option, 'I am not going to take you any more, sorry.'

JustPoppingIn · 27/09/2018 18:43

I would encourage your DH to start job hunting. Boss is a user and because it is a small company, very little is likely to change.

seven201 · 27/09/2018 18:59

I think dh needs to say "Bob, you need to start paying me £4 a day to cover the inconvenience and wear and tear. I understand if you'd prefer to get the train"

CSIblonde · 27/09/2018 19:11

Either say your car isn't insured for business use or say all lifts are off unless there are petrol contributions. They are taking the mick.

yorkshireyummymummy · 27/09/2018 19:40

Ffiffime
insurance will be fine

Yes, because we all know how insurance companies are so likely and willing to bend the t&cs to ensure they pay out .
Or may be not.

You will be amazed at what insurance companies check up on before they pay out. Giving three work colleagues a life every day because your boss tells you to is hardly falling under Social, domestic, pleasure and daily commute. ( I worked for a huge insurance company. I’m not just posting for the good of my health)

Tell them , don’t tell them.
But see what happens if you have an accident.
Don’t suppose Ffiffime will be willing to help out despite her expert advice.