Employment question re: "working away allowance" verbally promised by employer

Employment question re: "working away allowance" verbally promised by employer - then I was made redundant...?

I worked abroad twice for my employer last year, the first time I received a "working away allowance" a month after the trip. This was verbally promised to me. The second trip was the same (verbally promised) but never received, as I was made redundant in December and when the payment wasn't in my January pay, I queried it. HR knew nothing about it, but asked the top guy (who approves everything) and he said it wasn't pre-approved. So now what can I do ? Is a verbal agreement binding ?
Additional Details
I should have said that I was made redundant in December and no longer work there. So I am trying to get money (that was verbally promised by 2 people) from an ex-employer, but the top guy is blocking the payment. What can I do ?

superstup

It almost sounds like they want you out. To me the best way to approach this is through your HR but first approach the person who verbally promised your allowance, and see if there was something different about how the paperwork was handled. At worst, you will have deductible unreimbursed employee expenses you can report to the IRS (I forgot which form). You might want to mention this, though I don't know whether is will put you on anyones bad side. If that matters. No doubt you would need receipts, provided you didn't just party hardy and expecting the company to pony up. I just don't know your situation.

>>> Oh. You might be S.O.L. - you could try the Labor Board, or since you don't work there and have nothing to lose, get in touch with the guy thats blocking payment personally and ask. Or if you think you left on good terms, you might just want to eat it. I don't know how much money are we talking about here. If its just a couple hundred or so I might just shine it on, you know. But thats me.

Curtis H

Verbal agreements are in fact binding; the huge downside however is proving it in a case such as the one you describe.

You could try the precedence angle on a continuity of verbal contract basis but it is a long shot; you will need a complete evidence portfolio that shows dates times, payment details and so on; in other words a full audit trail of information to show (anyone for example if I came in to investigate your claim) the sticky wicket is the payment you received (sticky wicket for the organisation that is) if 'one' were to confront this person and ask why this payment was authorised what would they say do you think?

One would also assume this went to payroll with his permission to pay you this figure, someone therefore was informed, (another chink in the armour then) I feel all you have open to you is to challenge this properly but not by phone or email, in letter (recorded) or use the services of the CAB/ACAS or an employment law solicitor on a 'no win no fee basis,' alternatively if you have the time and the enthusiasm go it alone and be bold but not blasÃ© in your approach and I feel if you make enough on a nuisance you will receive the monies owed in full.

Don't show your entire hand to start with, save the evidence you will refer to in your first letter; "what evidence, I hear you say?"

None really, but they don't know that do they, maybe a bit of a bluff but they have been known to work in the past.

Good luck

Curtis

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: