New queries, issue 4229

Fast track

My new client is a Eurostar train driver who operates out of St Pancras; his working shifts commence between 5 am and 6:50 am. Eurostar pay accommodation at a local hotel at a cost to the company of £79; however the P11D records each stay at the hotel as a benefit received of £49. The driver has to reimburse Eurostar £37 per stay.

There seems to be little logic in the P11D amount or the reimbursable figure. In my client’s case the first train from his home to St Pancras gets in at 7 am which is too late for work.

Alternatively he could theoretically drive to work but he would need to leave home at 3.30 am. This would be very tiring and not a reliable way to get to the station on time.

Readers’ views are sought as to whether a claim...