Posted By Jennifer Kelly Are you an organisation that pays for taxis for staff who work beyond a certain hour even when public transport is still available? If you are, what made you decide to do this and what is the time that you decided on? Thank you in advance for your comments. Jennifer

Posted By David Bannister Hi Jennifer, I think this is about the ethos and culture of the organisation and the personal stance of individuals in the employing body. When my wife was working late as a youth worker there was very little thought as to personal safety of the staff leaving during the hours of darkness. She would sometimes be escorted home safely by some of the young people with whom she had worked, on the occasions when she did not drive. Now, as an employer, she has ensured that late workers have private transport if leaving late. This is however, not a formal system, just one that appears to work and based on perception of risk. In reality I believe that it is more of a labour-relations benefit than true risk management.

Posted By Raymond Rapp Jennifer Without specific details for your enquiry it is difficult to know where you are coming from. That said, you need to consider a number of different risk-based factors. For example, what distances are employees travelling, young or in some way vulnerable, does it include Fri/Sat night, will there be drunken revellers about, is the are(s) notorious for crime/mugging etc. I believe the company have both a moral and legal duty, tenuous perhaps, to consider the well-being of their staff at all times. Therefore, it is good practice to adopt an altruistic approach. Regards Ray

Posted By Jennifer Kelly Thanks for the answers thus far. Reason for starting the thread is as follows. A few weeks ago the charity I work for had a major fundraising event at a central London location on a week night. The event was staffed by a combination of staff who had to be there, staff who volunteered to be there (inlcuding myself) and volunteers who simply volunteered their time for the event. The event finished at approx 11:30pm and most of us took public transport home as most of us live within walking distance of a train, tube or bus stop. The next day I was approached by a number of staff from the event expressing their surprise that taxis were not supplied for everyone working or volunteering their time for the event to get back home. Surely I was asked, is this not a health and safey issue? And to be honest I am not sure. When we were briefed for the event by the event organiser we were all told that we should try to use public transport if we could and those people who lived further out should leave earlier to ensure they did not miss last trains buses etc. The event organiser did say if we found ourselves in a situtation where getting a black cab or licensed mini cab was safer then we should do so and charge back the fare on expenses. Now I think this is a reasonable approach particluarly considering we are a charity, but some staff, including the Union rep, are not happy. I need to respond to them and wanted to find out what members of the forum thought, particular within the context described, before I do so. Thanks again Jennifer -

Posted By GPS As a social club we used to organise taxis for our staff following later nite functions etc. (around 12.30) Our tax and VAT inspector picked up on this and we were told that this was a staff benefit and tax would need to be paid. This made it to expensive for us and we therefore had to cease the facility.

Posted By Alexis B Hi Jennifer Is the union rep unhappy because the decision about whether or not to get a taxi was being left to the individual or/and was only suggested after the event by the organiser once staff had objected? My view is that it is a H&S issue. The event organised outside work ending at 11.30pm introduced additional security risks to those working/volunteering. In the past (Christmas parties etc) I have simply asked in advance how people were planning to return home (particularly if alcohol is involved) whether people could give each other lifts, share taxis etc. If it meant someone couldn't otherwise attend an event there might be an arrangement for a taxi/hotel room whichever is cheaper, or for someone to stay the night with someone else. The final arrangemens may very well have been the same but asking is important; it may be the perceived lack of care that is the issue.