How to make sure the winter weather is snow joke
24 Dec 2024
We’ve already had one dose of winter this year – with snow and ice sticking around for a week or so in the middle of November.
There’s likely to be more before winter is through, so here’s some of your FAQs about your rights when the weather turns nasty and you might not be able to get into work.
If I can’t get to work, will my pay be docked?
Possibly, yes. Employers are not legally required to pay employees who cannot make it to work due to bad weather, unless it is stated otherwise in the employment contract or company policy.
It’s advisable to talk to your manager and see whether you can work from home as an alternative. If the workplace is closed due to severe weather and employees cannot work from home, employers are generally expected to pay their staff.
What do I do if it’s not safe to drive to work?
You should contact your employer straight away and explain the situation. Employers have a duty of care to all staff and should not encourage travel when it’s not safe.
For example, heavy snow or ice might mean people are advised not to travel by car or public transport except for emergencies. It may be possible to work from home, travel to work later in the day if the disruption is expected to stop, swap shifts with colleagues who can get in, or agree to work flexible hours to make up lost time.
Can my boss force me to take time off as holiday?
An employer can ask if employees would like to take holiday if travel disruption means they cannot get into work.
In some circumstances, an employer can also tell employees that they must take holiday, for example, if the disruption is expected to last several days. By law, the employer must give twice as much notice as the amount of holiday they want employees to take.
What measures should my company have in place for bad weather?
According to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), employers should have clear policies in place regarding adverse weather conditions.
These policies should outline the procedures for reporting absences, options for remote working, and any arrangements for making up lost time. Employers should communicate these policies clearly to all employees to avoid confusion and ensure everyone knows what to expect.
What is the law concerning employee safety and employer responsibilities?
Employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of their employees. This includes considering the risks associated with travelling to work in dangerous weather conditions.
If an employee feels that it is unsafe to travel, they should not be forced to do so. Employers should be flexible and understanding, offering alternatives such as remote working or adjusting work hours.
Employees should plan ahead and stay informed about weather forecasts to ensure their safety and minimise disruption to work. It’s also a good idea to discuss potential solutions with your employer in advance, so you know what to do if severe weather strikes.
While there is no specific law in the UK that mandates employees to travel to work in ice and snow, both employers and employees should refer to their employment contracts and company policies for guidance.
Communication and flexibility are key to ensuring safety and maintaining productivity during adverse weather conditions.
If you’d like help drawing up your company’s bad weather policy – or work somewhere which doesn’t have one – get in touch for a free consultation. Just hit the button on this page to start the ball rolling.
