Meetings away from base location

[spring123]

Employment law question. I am an office based employee and have been told I have to attend a company event approx 3 hours away and stay overnight. Can I be forced into doing this?

[marval]

What does your contract Say?

[chelle7272]

Check your contract, it's very possible they can, yes.

[spring123]

Its says i am office based and states the location.

[chelle7272]

Maybe check job description as well. Is there any part which says that you may be asked to work elsewhere or that you maust participate in company meetings events etc?

[spring123]

my job description specifically states office based...

[andy-hughes]

You'd be amazed how many contracts / job descriptions contain phrases like " ... and other tasks and responsibilities as shall be deemed necessary ..." which is a polite way of saying 'You go where we say when we say!' - so as advised, check out any documentation that refers to your responsibilities.

[marval]

You need to talk to your HR person and explain. Your contract may need changing. Do you have a problen working away?

[chelle7272]

Yes check the whole thing carefully. if in doubt you could ask your HR dept to clarify where it says you must do this.

[spring123]

I do have a problem working away as it would cost me for childcare etc. thanks for the answers though

[marval]

Definitely talk to your HR department and explain.

[dzug2]

A 'good' employer will pay for that childcare.

[factor-fiction]

How long have you worked there, spring123?
Wouldn't it benefit you in the longer term to attend?

[boxtops]

I agree with andy-hughes, our contract says something like "and where the business of the organisation may need me to work". If it's a training day or a conference, you can be expected to travel, but they should pay for your travel and overnight expenses. If the childcare costs are an issue too, talk to your HR department. Is the event for your benefit in the long run? - if it's personal/professional development, it might be sensible to go. Your work base remains the same, this sounds like a special event. "office based" to me means "not in a sales job" - not that you always go to the same address every day, unless it actually specifies the address of the office - which would make it difficult for the company if it ever had to move in the future.