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Original poster

Can I claim meal expenses when travelling for work all day

31 replies

SeekingCivil · 30/04/2026 10:06

I’m a few weeks into a new job and I am due to travel to see a client next week. I will be out of the house for about 12hours.
No one has mentioned anything about what expenses I can claim and there is no policy (I’ve checked). I know I can claim for fuel.

I looked on the YouGov website and it says one can claim for up to £10 if working away for 10hours or more.

I will be doing more trips like this and I don’t want to be out pocket.

I will ask HR if I know I can claim but want to check first.

OP posts:

Zanatdy · Today 03:34

We get £13 for the day, £33 for 24hrs. Weird if they don’t have a policy.

MelanzaneParmigiana · Today 03:37

Just make a sandwich and take it with you!

dreaminglife · Today 08:15

AirborneElephant · 30/04/2026 13:51

As others have said it depends on the employer, they certainly don’t have to give you anything. The HMRC website you noted is a tax allowance not a mandatory benefit - payments of up to £10 for travel of at least 10 hours is xpet from being treated as earnings.

what do you normally do for lunch? If you’d normally bring something in or buy a sandwich I can’t see them being very sympathetic, no reason you can’t do exactly the same when travelling. If there’s a free lunch on site I’d expect them to give you an allowance.

This!

NoisyBuilder · Today 09:12

HungryHerring · 30/04/2026 14:24

Well warm sandwiches really aren't the end of the world are they 😆 But if someone really hates them, you could use ice packs if you can be bothered (you can make your own with ice cubes in tupperwares). Or put soup in a thermos if you have one. Or oatcakes dipped in houmous. Hard boil some eggs. There are lots of options. People have managed working in factories/fields for hundreds of years before refrigeration.

Show quote history

I do agree IRL, it makes no odds in reality. But I always assumed it's based a welfare thing based on access to food prep & safe storage.

But aside from that, I dont think the welfare standards and working conditions of 18th century mill workers are still classed as best practice.

I'd have to check.

sunnybluesky75 · Today 09:18

I am field based and can only claim up to £25 for an evening meal. Same in my last company.

dreaminglife · Today 10:07

sunnybluesky75 · Today 09:18

I am field based and can only claim up to £25 for an evening meal. Same in my last company.

We allow £40 for an evening meal

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