The person tried their luck at getting money off all commutes into the office but it didn't go as planned and now others have urged them to apply for a new job...07:43, 16 Jul 2026For anyone living in the UK, the cost of bills, travel and food is getting way out of hand. It can be extremely hard to cope with the rising costs so it's understandable to try pretty much anything to lower spending.‌One thing which can't be avoided is the daily commute into the office. While the majority of people in England still work remotely, many are now travelling a number of times per week to see their colleagues in the flesh. Some companies may offer incentives, like paying for travel to and from work, which is why one person recently tried to bank a similar offer from their company.‌The person said how they've been told to return three days a week, which means a painful 45-minute journey each way. As a result of the length of time it takes, they decided to propose an idea to HR.‌Posting on Reddit, they said: "I asked my company to pay for the commute they now require and the answer taught me exactly what they think my time is worth."Sharing the situation in more context, they added: "Figured I'd try something. We got mandated back three days a week, and my commute is 45 minutes each way, so I went to HR with a straightforward proposal."I said, look you've made a business requirement that I be physically in a location. I'm happy to comply. The travel to satisfy that requirement costs me roughly 90 minutes a day and about $190 (£142) a month in gas and parking.‌"So I'd like to discuss either a commuting stipend, or counting the travel as part of the working day, since it's now mandatory work-related travel."HR Rejects Mandated Return-to-Office Travel Stipend RequestAfter approaching the situation with their bosses, they couldn't believe the six-word reply. They added: "The response, and I'm paraphrasing only slightly, was that commuting is a personal expense and personal time, and that 'everyone has to get to work'.‌"So let's be precise about what that means. The commute is mandatory when they need me in the building. It's personal when there's a bill attached."The exact same 90 minutes belongs to them when it comes to compliance and belongs to me when it comes to compensation, and the difference is decided entirely by which answer costs them less."It's not that I expected them to say yes. I knew they'd say no. I wanted the no on the record, in writing, so I'd stop wondering whether the years of good work had bought me any real standing, and now I know it bought me the standard reply."‌Since sharing it online, many people offered advice, while one urged them to update their CV now. They said: "I wouldn't even have a conversation, straight update resume, apply and leave on good terms."Another chimed in: "Unpaid and unnecessary 90 minute commute? Daily paid slack off time was just increased to 90 minutes."A third commented: "All companies don't give a s*** about their employees. You are replaceable. They aren't going to mourn you for more than a few minutes if you die unexpectedly. They will not leave your position open because it 'belonged to you'.‌"They are always looking at the bottom line and will replace you in a heartbeat."Understanding HMRC Tax Rules on Workplace Travel and Ordinary CommutingIn the UK, companies can legally reimburse travel to the office, although this depends on your working arrangement and HMRC tax rules. For example, if you're traveling from home to work, HMRC treats this as "ordinary commuting".But if your employer reimburses you, the payment counts as taxable earnings, therefore you and your employer might be liable for tax and National Insurance.Article continues belowMeanwhile those who work remotely a number of times per week may have to check their contracts on the matter. It's possible your regular days traveling to the office cannot be reimbursed tax-free.Companies can provide tax-free reimbursements for temporary workplaces, such as travelling to a client's site, an alternative branch for a one-off meeting, or a temporary work location (provided you won't be there for more than 24 months).