HELP - Job Relocation

[emdeb]

Hi, I currently travel to Birmingham from Northamptonshire and my commute is 1hr from my dads where I drop my little boy off. We have been told that we are moving buildings to West Bromwich which although it is only another 20 miles it is the worst part of the M6 to drive and will increase my journey time to nearly 1hr 45 mins. On top of the driving, there is no on site car park and have got to walk 10 - 15minutes from the nearest one.

Does anybody know what is classed as a 'reasonable' daily commute as I don't like the idea of a 4hr commute each day

It seems like a done deal with the company but I just want to know what my options are before kicking up a stink.

Em

 

[lozza1uk]

I thought when you relocated they had to compensate you for the extra travel costs. A few years ago our office moved 8 miles, and those who didn't have company cars got extra pence per mile for the first 12 months.
However, i guess nothing compensates for the extra time - that's a long way to commute twice a day. Unfortunately I don't know what you can do about it, if anything.

 

[blondey]

'Reasonable distance' is a subjective term hun, so it's down to them to say whether it is/isn't and you to argue otherwise.

If it turns out that they agree it isn't reasonable distance then you should be eligible for redundancy.

Are you a member of the union? Even if you aren't but the move is affecting over 100 people then the union will cover you all collectively and you could ask the union to fight your corner (although if they are like our Union, then the don't know their fist from their arse lol!)

Good luck! xx

 

[Hayley90]

^WTS reasonable distance isnt a set limit, as it could be 100 miles down the M25, or 100 miles down country lanes - one is easier than the other, if that makes sense?

If they arent going to compensate you for the extra distance/petrol/time, or work it into your contract, then you *should* be eligible for redundancy.

My commute is 2 hours each way too, so i feel your pain xx

 

[Pink_Tinks]

Ah im goin tru exactly the same!
My office is closing and relocating to london.

My circumstance, is that my current role is at risk of redundancy but there is an alternate role i can take in London. This means i can either choose to take redundancy or relocate.
To relocate, it will be the same contract and same hours, but the company will pay 100% of the difference in travel costs for the first year (which is the annual train fair) and 50% for the second year, and nothing from then on. This is down to each company tho i believe.

I have opted for redundancy, as there is no way i am working 8-5 in London... i would have to leave the house at 6am and wouldnt get back till 7pm meaning i wouldnt see my children... also my OH's job requires him to work away at times and tbh, his job is far more important than mine!

Your employer should let you know all the details regarding your choices with relocating or the redundancy option... just ask for all the info.