to ask employer for childcare costs?

[starkadder]

Just about to start a new job - part time. There's a conference I'd like to go to (would be good for my employers if I did) but I spent half the day every day looking after DS. DH works 8-2 so I start work when he gets in.

Anyway, I've suggested it to them but have said I'd need to pay out an extra 50quid/day to get a childminder for each day I'd be gone. I'd obviously be at the conference full time, so to speak, so they'd be getting more for their money in terms of salary anyway.

Now I am not sure if this is reasonable or not. I was thinking of it as a travel expense - just like the airline ticket/sandwich in the airport, etc. But AIBU? Has anyone else ever asked their employer for something like this?

I have once had my (public sector) employer pay childcare expenses while I was on a course because I was specifically requested to be there, on a day I don't normally work.

Subsequently, when I have asked to go on courses, it was made clear that as I requested the course, employer wouldn't pay expenses on a day I don't normally work.

In the meantime, I attended interview for internal promotion and was asked if it was possible for me to attend on a day I don't normally work. Had to refuse initially as nursery full. When a space became avail, I confirmed I could attend (on a day that suited the interview panel) but was subsequently told that no childcare expenses would be paid. I seethed, as colleague who asked me to attend is also mum and must have appreciated that I was paying out of my own pocket for convenience of interview panel...(and breathe!)

should clarify, the exceptional is my reading - their words are childcare related to business travel but I'd have to find out what precedent there was in this area

I remember looking at it a few years ago when work wanted me to go abroad at a time when dh had a day or so when he couldn't be around and then realised I might be able to get work to help me out in a tax efficient way

anyway, glad it's all sorted stark!

Yes here it is:

www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye/exb/a-z/c/childcare.htm#x4

But usually HMRC pretty strict on this sort of thing so maybe it would have to be essential business travel rather than an optional conference that you choose to attend. There doesn't seem to be much further guidance (although could do further research if anyone still interested).

I'm going on a business trip to Liverpool (from London) next week - not ideal as I am 36 weeks pregnant, and it involves an overnight stay as there is a team social on the Thursday night. But I don't work Fridays and will have to pay for childcare for 2.5 hours on Friday morning (from point DH leaves house to when I get home (and am getting first train) - it would not have occured to me to ask.

Similarly they want me to come in during maternity leave - will have to bring with me to work someone to look after the baby as I'll be breastfeeding - so will have to pay TWICE - once for two kids at home (during school holidays) and once for person at work looking after baby, and again it wouldn't occur to me to ask...