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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not want to travel across the country, outside of my tier, for work?!

38 replies

ManCubsMama · 29/12/2020 13:15

I work for a start up, I am employed and PAYE but have no contract, set hours, the company has no HR etc.

I live in a Tier 4 area, as does my boss, but have been asked to travel up north (179 miles from my home) to a Tier 2 area for a 3 day business trip where we will be meeting various business partners and stakeholders.

I initially said that I can't as I am in Tier 4 and he responded that the company is registered to the Northern office address and that no one needs to know that I have travelled.

I didn't know how to respond so I just said nothing and its not being assumed that I am going. In fact, I have recieved meeting requests in my calendar for the dates.

I feel really uncomfortable with this. Not only to breaking the law, but the people that I will be putting at risk.

What do I do? I know what I need to do but its incredibly hard pushing back when my northern boss basically acts like Covid doesn't exist and doesn't for a second consider that no everyone is as crooked as he is!

HELP!

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 29/12/2020 13:17

It's not breaking the law to travel for work Confused

MatildaTheCat · 29/12/2020 13:18

You say, sorry, I’ve checked the regulations and it would be illegal for me to travel and, of course, risky. I’m very happy to schedule in video calls until we can move around freely again.

MatildaTheCat · 29/12/2020 13:19

@WorraLiberty

It's not breaking the law to travel for work Confused
Surely it has to be justifiable?
WorraLiberty · 29/12/2020 13:20

It is justifiable?

Orf1abc · 29/12/2020 13:22

You can travel for work. There's no need for the work to be essential.

Mrsjayy · 29/12/2020 13:23

It is work it isn't illegal even in tier 4. It is a work thing.

Orf1abc · 29/12/2020 13:23

You do have a contract, by virtue of you performing your work and being paid for it. How long have you worked there?

PaulineScrambledPhones · 29/12/2020 13:24

Travelling for work is allowed, isn’t it? Even if you’re based in a T4 area?
YANBU to feel uncomfortable about it though.

BiggerTallerFaster · 29/12/2020 13:26

The guidance doesn't say travel for work needs to be justifiable.

Surely before having this discussion with your boss you'd read and understand the detailed guidance first?

Mrsjayy · 29/12/2020 13:27

We have had level 4 here for weeks and I appreciate tier 4 is relatively new and confusing. But "we" have always been able to travel for work. I mean ideally your boss could sort via zoom or something but nothing is stopping you going.

WorraLiberty · 29/12/2020 13:29

It never fails to amaze me how many people claim something is illegal, without doing a very simple check.

Normally people who don't want to do what's being asked of them, rather than people who do.

EagleFlight · 29/12/2020 13:30

Reply back to the meeting requests to ask for the Zoom details on the basis you’ve said you don’t feel comfortable attending so you are assuming you will be there virtually.

FrostyChocolateMilkshake · 29/12/2020 13:31

@PaulineScrambledPhones

Travelling for work is allowed, isn’t it? Even if you’re based in a T4 area? YANBU to feel uncomfortable about it though.
I second this
WorraLiberty · 29/12/2020 13:38

@EagleFlight

Reply back to the meeting requests to ask for the Zoom details on the basis you’ve said you don’t feel comfortable attending so you are assuming you will be there virtually.
Why would the OP assume she'll be getting her own way?

I don't know anyone who feels particularly comfortable going to work and mixing with people at the moment. That doesn't mean they should assume they don't have to go.

nosswith · 29/12/2020 13:58

Point out that the last people to travel from tier 4 to a lower tier for work after a 'business trip' were Manchester City FC and how many of them have since tested positive for the virus.

If they persist point out that their local police will be called. Not a threat, an undertaking and stick to it 100%.

WorraLiberty · 29/12/2020 14:03

If they persist point out that their local police will be called. Not a threat, an undertaking and stick to it 100%.

Huh? Called for what reason? Confused

FrankRattlesnake · 29/12/2020 14:04

Totally unprofessional to stay silent and hope the issue will go away.

Even in tier 4 you can leave home for work and education. You are also able to travel to another tier but need to abide by your tiers rules.

Feeling uncomfortable about it is totally understandable but it is not illegal.

You need to have a conversation with your manager, the sooner the better. Obviously ask if you can attend via zoom or similar.

nosswith · 29/12/2020 14:09

'To help contain the virus, everyone who can work effectively from home should do so.' No evidence provided that this cannot be done for meeting business partners and stakeholders. Parliament is able to work with those from outside tier 4 working remotely, for example.

The OP is also asked to participate in a deception in denying they have travelled. As there will be overnight accommodation involved.

Butchyrestingface · 29/12/2020 14:12

What do I do? I know what I need to do but its incredibly hard pushing back when my northern boss basically acts like Covid doesn't exist and doesn't for a second consider that no everyone is as crooked as he is!

A tickle in your throat you say, Skippy? 🦘

Do you think it might be about to develop into a full blown cough? What's your temperature like?

Orf1abc · 29/12/2020 14:14

Parliament is able to work with those from outside tier 4 working remotely, for example.

MPs are being given the option to participate from home, however in this instance votes must be made by proxy, they cannot vote remotely. Also they can travel if they wish to, they're not obliged to work from home.

KrisAkabusi · 29/12/2020 14:15

At the very least you have to have a conversation with your boss. You can tell him you don't feel comfortable attending, but he may well tell you that it's part of your job to attend such events. Be prepared for your response if he does say that.

Meepmeeep · 29/12/2020 14:18

@nosswith

Point out that the last people to travel from tier 4 to a lower tier for work after a 'business trip' were Manchester City FC and how many of them have since tested positive for the virus.

If they persist point out that their local police will be called. Not a threat, an undertaking and stick to it 100%.

I’m pretty sure plenty of people outside the Manchester City squad have travelled out with their tier 4 area to work. What an absolutely ridiculous comment. Also, the police cannot stop you travelling to work.
Nikhedonia · 29/12/2020 14:18

@nosswith

Point out that the last people to travel from tier 4 to a lower tier for work after a 'business trip' were Manchester City FC and how many of them have since tested positive for the virus.

If they persist point out that their local police will be called. Not a threat, an undertaking and stick to it 100%.

Absolutely batshit advice Confused
MzHz · 29/12/2020 14:20

If I were in the tier 2, I wouldn’t want to meet with anyone from outside that tier, and even then, this meeting isn’t essential, is it?

As I understand it, it’s working from home unless you’re unable to do your job from home.

A meeting isn’t something that can’t be done online.

He knows the regulations would be breached, he’s asking you to lie.

This new variant isn’t fucking around. Tell him you’re happy to have the meeting online but not going to leave your home to attend this meeting

Bluebaubles · 29/12/2020 14:21

We have loads of testing here in the North, just get one as soon as you get here