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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Travel for work

14 replies

ImpeckableChicken · 15/12/2023 22:09

I’ll try not to write an essay…

I started a new job in the summer, I love it. It’s NHS, so there’s a number of hospitals in our Trust. When I was interviewed I was told I would be based at my local hospital (Site A) but would occasionally have to travel to the other sites if they’re short staffed. Which I’m happy to do. They’re about 40 minutes away and I do drive.

Problem is ‘occasionally’ has now turned into 2-3 times a week. Apparently if staff resign at the other sites they are hiring at Site A with the intention of sending the new staff across. I don’t know why they don’t just hire permanent staff at the other sites.

A handful of the staff have also managed to get out of it by claiming they don’t drive or own a car. In a way I don’t blame them if they were under the impression that they’d have to travel ‘occasionally’. They also probably said it would be fine so they’d get the job.

But it means the same people (inc myself) are being sent here there and everywhere just because we can drive.

Is this unfair or should I suck it up?? I feel like I don’t wanna kick up a fuss because I’m still kinda new….

OP posts:
AngharadM · 15/12/2023 22:11

Are you claiming mileage?

How much more out.og your way is it? Would mean you left home say 15 minutes earlier than your work base or leave home an hour earlier and back an hour later?

Would you be willing to continue if they gave you use of a pool car instead?

Catza · 15/12/2023 22:32

I was hired under similar arrangements. They didn’t care about me not driving and I ended up spending 1,5h getting to work on public transport. I fear it is quite common to advertise the “flagship store” which is usually centrally based and then shove people to smaller hospitals where it is more difficult to recruit/retain.

Original poster
ImpeckableChicken · 15/12/2023 22:59

Apparently if I wanted to claim mileage I’d have to change my car insurance (haven’t looked into this though).

My local takes me 3 minutes to drive to. The other sites are 40 minutes no traffic.

It’s not so much the travelling, it’s that I don’t particularly want to work at the other sites regularly. I took the job with the understanding I’d be based at one place most of the time. And I am a bit pissed off that we aren’t all being treated the same (the non-drivers not travelling).

OP posts:
ClareBlue · 15/12/2023 23:10

Changing the insurance is to idendify them if you are using the car for work and have an accident. Some insurance won't increase premium if it is just to get to a base and some will, but it js usually only a hundred or so. Insurance companies are well aware of this and will deal with it no problem. You get confirmation from them to give to NHS and it has no impact on your no claims etc. You can claim this back along with the mileage. You absolutely need to be claiming if you are working away from your work base.
Get the policies and procedures docs and if they don't make sens to you get some advice and help. Don't be passive on this or think you shouldn't do it. You absolutely should.

Littlecatsocks · 15/12/2023 23:14

Same is happening to me. albeit a different industry. I was promised one annual trip which is now one trip every 8 weeks.

No idea what to do. nothing else to apply for :(

Littlecatsocks · 15/12/2023 23:14

started mine in the Summer too

Original poster
ImpeckableChicken · 16/12/2023 10:32

Thanks for your replies.

I was going to weigh up the extra it would cost me in insurance vs the amount I’d get paid in mileage. At the moment it would definitely be worth changing my insurance.

OP posts:
HunterHearstHelmsley · 16/12/2023 10:41

I'd be tempted to tell them you don't have a car currently. If you're only 3 minutes drive away, would it be possible to walk in?

I told my employer years ago that I had to get rid of my car as I became the official lift giver! I'm assuming having access to a car isn't part of your JD as others don't drive.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 16/12/2023 12:40

ImpeckableChicken · 15/12/2023 22:59

Apparently if I wanted to claim mileage I’d have to change my car insurance (haven’t looked into this though).

My local takes me 3 minutes to drive to. The other sites are 40 minutes no traffic.

It’s not so much the travelling, it’s that I don’t particularly want to work at the other sites regularly. I took the job with the understanding I’d be based at one place most of the time. And I am a bit pissed off that we aren’t all being treated the same (the non-drivers not travelling).

You definitely need to do this, or work can pay your public transport costs

Original poster
ImpeckableChicken · 16/12/2023 13:07

I have to do the school run in the mornings, not enough time to do that, get home and walk in to work. Good idea though, hadn’t thought of that 😄

OP posts:
igivein · 16/12/2023 13:13

You absolutely need to change your insurance. Standard insurance covers travel to and from your normal place of work. If you’re travelling to a different site and have an accident you may well find you’re not covered.
When I changed mine to business use it didn’t actually cost anything.

angelopal · 16/12/2023 13:18

Yes you definitely need business insurance if traveling to different sites. If you have an accident you may not be covered as it would class as business travel. It shouldn't cost much. We have it and doesn't seem to make much difference to cost.

dammit88 · 16/12/2023 13:24

I think this is really unfair and I do think you should question it. I understand it's hard where you are relatively new and you want to please, but if you continue to do it I think they will just assume you are happy with the situation. Are you in a clinical role?

Original poster
ImpeckableChicken · 16/12/2023 14:02

Ok will look into the insurance stuff, thanks guys!

Yea clinical role. I have brought up with management that staff have been unhappy (for another reason) and it fell on deaf ears.

Ever feel like you’re just a number and not a person anymore?! Is there a manager out there that does care?? 🤔

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