Asking employer to cover childcare costs

[Totupthenumberspls]

I’ve been asked to go on a business trip for a week, is it unreasonable to ask the company to pay the incremental childcare costs?

@Totupthenumberspls makes no different, you signed a contract with potentials of travelling.. I really don’t see how it’s your employers problem to cover any childcare expenses?

So then maybe it's no longer the right job for you? I've always chosen my jobs around family commitments and passed up many that didn't work for me.

”Any other expense” would not be covered, though. Travel, food and accommodation would be covered. That’s all. There is no reason your company would pay for childcare on top of that.

I think it depends how much you're paid/how senior you are. If you're on on 200k and quite senior then i think you should aborb the cost and go. If you're just a reguar office worker on 40k then it's simply too expensive.

I would also refuse to be away from my young kids for so long, 10 days would be too hard for them and not appropriate until they're older.

Can someone else go instead? That may be better for everyone.

LOL. So you know what your exact circumstances will be in 8 years time then???

My employer will reimburse additional out of pocket expenditure for childcare or dependent care where normal working routine is disrupted due to unavoidable late/early working or overnight stays that are required

(I am public sector)

So look for another job that’s better suited to your situation, then.

That's why people change jobs. Changing circumstances, changing jobs if the terms of your employment no longer suit you. OP is lucky to have not been asked before now.

I would definitely present it as an additional expense of being able to go where they want to you to go.

It's a financial outlay because the training is something they need to invest in...

@KreedKafer seems quite extreme to find another job over asking them if they’d be open to cover additional expenses

@WhenWereYouUnderMe but you know how businesses work right? They choose to make investments

Yeah? I'm not sure what you're talking about now to be honest.

They're making the financial outlay and investment in you to deliver work that needs done.

It doesn't have to cost your family a penny.

It's so fucking simple.

'Men continue to build their careers because most don't even consider this.'

😂😂😂 what an own goal. Yes, they do. That's exactly the point. So, as should women. If either they or the chosen father of their children realised this.

his job just isn’t that flexible?
im not pissed off at all about it, im fine with going. However I disagree that I should have to accept it will cost me money.
It has been said I can be awkward at times !

But it's not your employers fault that your DH 's employer isn't that flexible.
Why is this all on you?

I'm sure you're not trying to argue that men do equal childcare as not only would that fly in the face of all statistics but it would give everyone on here a good laugh.

Come on people the company are shelling out £20k to send her to train people, another £300 is nothing. She can ask!

They obviously value her.

You've ignored every viewpoint offering an alternative suggestion, refused to engage on the point that in fact, you don't need extra childcare as your DH can provide the care, haven't taken on board the point that individuals have all sorts of personal expenses, other than childcare, and can't conceive that this trip is actually part of your work.

It is reasonable to have a discussion about going and the implications of same with your manager.

But whinging about being asked, it's not your job, you'll be out of pocket - yes, that's exactly what you are doing.

Good approach, makes a lot of sense.

Well of course! But why would they when there's another parent who apparently does 50% of all childcare? I'd be asking that question as the employer.

My organisation has just spent almost £4k on my current international trip but I still have very strict limits and policies on what I can claim as expenses.
Spending money on international travel doesn't mean a limitless budget.

I'm a single parent to 3 as well. They are now a little older, youngest now 12, so it's easier. I still need overnight 'care' - just an adult in the house with them.

It's really hard but while I minimise it, I don't completely say no, and never did.

I've no family support locally, ex not involved.

The reason being that the broader aspects of my role offer flexibility that's essential for me - I can WFH in part, control my own calendar, as a manager, can set my work priorities and so on.

I don't need to do it that often - I couldn't do it it was very regular but for all sorts of reasons, keeping at least some involvement in that area was important to me.

(I'm usually absolutely exhausted by it though - just making all the practical arrangements for just 2 nights away!)

@EarringsandLipstick just because I don’t agree with other views doesn’t mean I’ve ignored them.
I am aware people incur extra costs, im not requesting a dog walker and my partner may be able to help. It’s not exactly my point though. You’ve made a lot of assumptions based on what is and what is not part of my job.

so I should have thought about this 8 years ago?

YES!

Of course you should.