A Reddit user shared their experience of requesting commute reimbursement from their employer after being required to return to the office three days a week. The request was met with a blunt six-word reply: 'commuting is a personal expense.'
Employee's Proposal for Commute Stipend
The employee, whose commute is 45 minutes each way, approached HR with a proposal. They argued that since the company mandated physical presence, the travel should be considered work-related. They requested either a commuting stipend or counting the 90-minute daily travel as part of the working day. The estimated monthly cost was $190 (£142) for gas and parking.
HR's Response and Employee's Reaction
HR responded that commuting is a personal expense and personal time, stating that 'everyone has to get to work.' The employee noted that while the commute is mandatory for compliance, it is considered personal when costs are involved. They wanted the refusal documented to confirm that their years of service did not grant them special standing.
Online Reactions and Advice
The Reddit post garnered comments urging the employee to update their resume and leave. One user said: 'I wouldn't even have a conversation, straight update resume, apply and leave on good terms.' Another commented: 'Unpaid and unnecessary 90 minute commute? Daily paid slack off time was just increased to 90 minutes.' A third added: 'All companies don't give a s*** about their employees. You are replaceable.'
HMRC Tax Rules on Commuting
In the UK, HMRC treats travel from home to the office as 'ordinary commuting.' If an employer reimburses this, it counts as taxable earnings, and both employer and employee may be liable for tax and National Insurance. Tax-free reimbursements are only allowed for temporary workplaces, such as client visits or short-term assignments lasting less than 24 months. Employees working remotely part-time should check their contracts, as regular office travel typically cannot be reimbursed tax-free.
