Madmax has a favour to ask...

[shirlthegirl43]

As some of you will know, my dear heart - Madmax, has a new job. He is based in Bristol and has organised accommodation for when he is there. However, over the next few weeks he is due to travel about round Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Acton, Greenwich and Fareham.

To get to the point, do any of you grapes know that you live near an Orange switch centre in these locations and if you do, would you be prepared to hire out a bed or advise on a good (and inexpensive) B&B. We are on a really restricted budget as he was working for minimum wage and it will be another 2 weeks or so until he gets his first pay from this new job.

[quark1]

Sorry Shirl I can't personally help - but it occurs to me that the company should be paying his overnight accommodation/travelling costs whilst away from 'normal' place of work(base) - I'd have thought even if he was a contractor rather than regular employee. He is after all travelling on the behalf of his new company and not for his own pleasure - presumably Orange?

That will be very bad form if they expect someone on minimum wage to also pay for their away from home expenses. If this is what is expected going forward - it'd be worth considering if the constant drain on an already small wage is going to be worth the effort? Even B&B at £25 per night - which I would have thought quite 'usual' is around 4hrs wages - half the day's pay.

[shirlthegirl43]

Sorry, I think I was a little unclear. He was on minimum wage at Halfords - he left there at the end of April and has been working on contract to Orange since the 1st June where the pay is a tad better. Trouble is, as a contractor, he gets a daily rate and has to pay all travel and expenses himself. Other trouble is that it will be at least six weeks from start till first paycheck so I guess you can work out how skint we are for the next two weeks or so. His mum has given him enough cash to get petrol and food but accommodation is the problem with most places being at least 40 quid a night.

[amandaandherveg]

Shirl, sorry we can't help as we are so far North, but take it as read that if he lands up in our direction he'll have a bed for the night.

[quark1]

OK I get it - but unless he's on a stonking good daily rate (you say a tad better than last job - is that tad significantly better?) - I still think that whilst away from his 'usual' place of work - Bristol - and surely all those places mentioned are well over what you'd consider a fair/reasonable commute (50miles) - he should be able to claim overnight expenses.

I appreciate the situation re the wait time for first paycheck - but if he's on contract presumably he's self-employed and will at least be able to fully expense this against his income. I sympathise and still think it's largely unfair - but I guess he read the conditions when he signed/agreed his contract. Do they at least supply a comapny car/van?

[NOG]

You will probally know this already but if he is paying the Exes out of is own money he can claim it all back from the HMRC. He will have to do a self certification but as a contractor would probally have to do one any way.

Keep a note of the milage, exes.

[NOG]

You will not get a room in Grenwich for less than £40 a night. Travellodge would be the best bet.

[valmarg]

I think we may be a bit outside the area max will be working, but we have a spare room.

valmarg

[shirlthegirl43]

OK I get it - but unless he's on a stonking good daily rate (you say a tad better than last job - is that tad significantly better?) - I still think that whilst away from his 'usual' place of work - Bristol - and surely all those places mentioned are well over what you'd consider a fair/reasonable commute (50miles) - he should be able to claim overnight expenses.

I appreciate the situation re the wait time for first paycheck - but if he's on contract presumably he's self-employed and will at least be able to fully expense this against his income. I sympathise and still think it's largely unfair - but I guess he read the conditions when he signed/agreed his contract. Do they at least supply a comapny car/van?

I read that to him and he nearly choked on his drink when I got to the bit about them supplying a car He is counting himself fortunate that he is supplied with the equipment required to test the network connections he is making! The mobile telecoms contractor has been sorely undercut by the influx of contractors from Asia and Eastern Europe - they have caused the rates to be cut by half and no expenses (no phone, pooter, car, accommodation). The best contract he ever had paid 400 notes per day with all the perks. This contract is nowhere near that but deffo better than minimum wage.

You will probally know this already but if he is paying the Exes out of is own money he can claim it all back from the HMRC. He will have to do a self certification but as a contractor would probally have to do one any way.

Keep a note of the milage, exes.

Aware of that thanks NOG. He works through an agency who do all the paperwork for him. That's why the six week or so wait from starting work to first pay.

[shirlthegirl43]

I think we may be a bit outside the area max will be working, but we have a spare room.

valmarg

Thanks for the offer, it will be noted for when (it is bound to happen) he gets sent in your direction

[sewer rat]

Shirl, sorry we can't help as we are so far North, but take it as read that if he lands up in our direction he'll have a bed for the night.

Same here if he comes even further North. Good luck with your search for accomodation.

[shirlthegirl43]

Manda and Rat, thank you both. Not sure if he will have to travel as far as you both but if so, your kind offers are noted. (Ooh, hope he gets sent up to Scotland, I need mealy pud and a decent black pudding)

[sewer rat]

Manda and Rat, thank you both. Not sure if he will have to travel as far as you both but if so, your kind offers are noted. (Ooh, hope he gets sent up to Scotland, I need mealy pud and a decent black pudding)

You are both more than welcome to hoiday up here - accomodation free - well - maybe in return for a day's weeding !!

[shirlthegirl43]

I wouldn't let Madmax near your crops - he doesn't know the difference between cabbages and weeds (coz my cabbages are so weedy) He could service your car though

[SarzWix]

Shirley, we have a sofa, or an airbed on the living room floor...? Not entirely salubrious, and there's kids, dogs, cats and general untidiness to contend with but he's welcome if it's any use! We're about 45 mins from Leeds and he can get to the M6 from here. PM me if you want the postcode so Madmax can look us up.