Hi everyone.
Quite basic question here but trying to find guidance online appeared tricky.
We have an employee who lives outside London. At the time of offer he was promised that his commute to the company's London office will be reimbursed. This also appears in his employment contract although this is a hybrid, office and home based contract. It was never made specific what this reimbursement should cover and there is no relevant policy in place. Don't ask how all this was agreed. The company is young and until 3 months ago when I joined it was run by directors and minimal HR guidance.
The employee expects to claim mileage for the drive from his home to the train station, parking fee, train ticket to the office . Or, mileage from home to office and parking fee (for parking in central London!)
My opinion is that, he should either receive mileage (Full stop. No parking) or reimbursement of train ticket (Full stop again. No mileage and parking). Also, I would change his contract to Home Based to reduce tax implications.
Just to add that he also owns a company car fully paid by the company.
Is there any standard process/guidance on this and how would you calculate commuting in such a case?
Thank you in advance for your responses!