The Applicant's Travel And Subsistence Expenses Are Charged
Travel and subsistence expenses are one of the most common expenses that employees incur while carrying out their job duties. In many cases, employees are entitled to claim expenses back from their employer for any travel or subsistence costs incurred during the course of their work. However, in some situations, an employer may charge the applicant for the travel and subsistence costs associated with job interviews or recruitment events. In this article, we explore the circumstances in which an applicant's travel and subsistence expenses may be charged, and what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
What are Travel and Subsistence Expenses?
Travel and subsistence expenses refer to the costs incurred by an employee when travelling for work-related purposes or staying away from their usual place of work overnight. These expenses can include things like transport costs, accommodation expenses, meals, and other incidental expenses that occur as a result of the employee travelling for work.
Can Employers Charge Applicants for Travel and Subsistence Expenses?
In most cases, employers are expected to cover the costs of any travel and subsistence expenses incurred by employees when carrying out their job duties. However, when it comes to job interviews and recruitment events, the situation is not so clear cut.
Legally, an employer is not obliged to cover the travel and subsistence costs of job applicants. This means that an employer may choose to charge the applicant for any expenses incurred during the recruitment process, such as travel costs to attend an interview or accommodation costs for an overnight stay.
What are the Circumstances in which an Employer may Charge Applicants?
While an employer may legally choose to charge an applicant for their travel and subsistence expenses, this is not common practice in most industries. Usually, an employer will only charge applicants for expenses in the following circumstances:
- The employer has clearly stated in the job advertisement or invitation to interview that travel and subsistence expenses will not be reimbursed.
- The applicant has chosen to travel in a more expensive way than necessary, such as opting for first-class travel or booking a luxury hotel.
- The applicant has made arrangements for the trip without first consulting the employer, such as booking non-refundable flights or accommodation without prior approval.
- The applicant has incurred additional expenses that are not related to the recruitment process, such as extending their stay for personal reasons.
What to do if an Employer Charges for Travel and Subsistence Expenses?
If an employer charges an applicant for their travel and subsistence expenses during the recruitment process, it is important to clarify the payment arrangements before accepting the invitation to interview.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have already incurred expenses and the employer is expecting you to foot the bill, it is important to address the issue with the employer directly. Consider negotiating the terms of the payment or seeking reimbursement at a later time.
If the employer continues to refuse to pay, you can seek advice from a union representative, an employment law attorney, or a relevant government agency for recourse.
Conclusion
While it is not common practice for employers to charge applicants for travel and subsistence expenses during the recruitment process, it is legal for them to do so. If you find yourself in a situation where an employer is expecting you to pay for your own expenses, it is important to clarify the payment arrangements before accepting the invitation to interview. If you have already incurred expenses, consider negotiating the terms of payment or seeking reimbursement at a later time. It is also important to seek advice from a union representative, an employment law attorney, or a relevant government agency for recourse if needed.