Who is being unreasonable?

[WeirdlyKind]

Boss wants me on a training course. It starts at 9am in a venue that's at least 2:45 hours* away from me. It's a hotel and I've asked if the company (who can more than afford it!) will pay for me a hotel room. Boss has said no, and to just drive there and back on the day but I'm genuinely not comfortable with that as it means at least five hours of driving, on top of a very full on course.

(*I've done the trip a couple of times, and the last time it took closer to four hours because the traffic was so bad. It's around 150miles, from Peterlee to Liverpool)

Thinking of paying for a room myself, just to avoid the stress of getting there on the morning! Public transport isn't the best option unfortunately, due to my mobility needs.

I worked for a company that was a bit like this, but it wasn't driving so, for example, if you had to be in another country for a day of meetings etc, you'd be expected to get the 6am flight. Similarly, if you were at a work event/activity in another country all day, you'd then be expected to fly home that night at say 7p or 8pm - and turn up at work as usual at 8:30 the next morning! Flights, taxis etc all paid for, sure, but it was EXHAUSTING. Driving would have been impossible. I used to snooze in the cab, then snooze on the flight or Eurostar. It wasn't ideal, and I certainly didn't feel rested but.... it was better.

YANBU.

Your employer has a duty to make sure you are safe in the workplace and this includes driving connected with work, which this is, because it's not your normal place of work.

I'd go back again and state you are concerned as you don't think it's safe, you know your limits and know you will be too tired to drive safely after a 3 hour drive and x hours of course, and you also dont think you'll get the most out of the course if yoyre tired. That the driving + course is x hours over your normal working day. I'd put it in writing and check your travel policy, if you work for a big organisation this scenario should be included so you can quote that as well

@IncompleteSenten

Is there any law on being paid for travelling time?

I'll get my hourly wage + fuel costs for travelling.

Thanks for the traffic tips- it's been a few years since I did the journey!

Boss just isn't bothered by anyone being put out!