Missing work due to snow or other extreme weather can leave many employees uncertain about their rights and responsibilities. As the UK prepares for snowfall between October 12 and 13, questions about how the weather will impact commuting are increasingly on people’s minds.
The Birmingham Mail reports that areas of Scotland are expected to receive up to 5 cm of snow, with other parts of the UK also facing varying levels of disruption. While this snow may be relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe, such as Sarajevo in Bosnia, it raises important questions about the impact on working arrangements.
Employee Responsibility and Employer Flexibility in Extreme Weather
When it comes to missing work due to snow, the general rule is that employees are responsible for getting to work, no matter the weather. However, when extreme weather makes it impossible or unsafe to travel, employers are expected to show flexibility.
According to Acas, the UK’s advisory, conciliation, and arbitration service, communication is crucial. If you are unable to get to work due to snow or other extreme conditions, informing your employer as soon as possible is essential.
Acas adds:
“When disruption makes getting to work difficult or impossible, employers and staff should be as flexible as they can.”
Employers have a “duty of care” for their employees’ health and safety, which means they should never encourage staff to travel when conditions are unsafe, such as during heavy snow or ice. In such cases, employers should prioritize safety over attendance.
For example, if snow or ice makes travel by car or public transport dangerous, employees should be allowed to stay home. This would apply if public transportation is suspended or roads are impassable. Employers should follow local weather advisories and conduct risk assessments to ensure no employee is at risk while trying to make their way into work.
Flexible Working Arrangements During Disruptions
If missing work becomes unavoidable, there are several flexible working arrangements that can help employees meet their responsibilities. Acas outlines a few options that both employers and employees should consider when extreme weather makes commuting difficult or impossible:
- Work from Home: If your job allows, working from home is an excellent option when snow disrupts travel. However, employees need to ensure they have the right tools and equipment to carry out their duties remotely.
- Flexible Hours: If snow or extreme weather prevents you from working at your usual hours, you might be able to make up the lost time later. Acas suggests that employers could offer flexible hours so employees can adjust their working hours to match the new weather conditions.
- Shift Swaps: If some employees are able to make it into work while others cannot, employers may allow staff to swap shifts or temporarily change duties to ensure essential tasks are still covered.
Acas recommends that employers take individual circumstances into account when discussing missing work options. For example, someone with a health condition may need extra accommodations, or a parent may require different childcare arrangements. Clear communication is vital to ensure a fair and efficient solution for everyone.
Pay and Leave Options When Missing Work Due to Snow
What happens if the snow makes it impossible for you to work, and none of the flexible working arrangements are viable? Acas outlines the following options regarding pay and leave:
- Holiday Leave: Employers may ask employees to use their holiday leave during times when missing work is unavoidable due to snow or other extreme weather. However, they must give twice the amount of notice as the amount of holiday they want employees to take. This might be a suitable option if the snowstorm is expected to last for several days.
- Unpaid Leave: If holiday leave isn’t an option, employees might be asked to take unpaid leave. Employers could also offer employees the ability to borrow holiday leave from the following year, depending on the terms of their contract.
- Pay Entitlement: If an employee cannot work due to extreme weather and no suitable alternative work arrangements are possible, Acas states that the employee’s entitlement to pay will depend on the terms of their contract. If no pay is provided during the disruption, the employee may be able to take unpaid leave or negotiate other solutions, like making up the time later.
Acas reminds both employers and employees to keep communication open and to remain flexible during extreme weather disruptions. While it can be challenging when missing work becomes unavoidable, the focus should always be on safety and fairness for all employees involved.
