WORKERS facing freezing cold commute to work may wonder what their rights are as snow and icy conditions make travel difficult.
At times, these frosty conditions can even make the drive to work dangerous.
And if you are reliant on public transport to get to work, the icy tracks can cause disruption along rail lines.
Regardless, it’s an employee’s responsibility to find a way to get to work – but if something is out of their control, they have a right to flexible working, work from home or even time off.
What to do if you cannot get to work because of the snow
John Palmer, Acas senior adviser, said: “If the cold weather is preventing someone from getting to work or delaying their journey then they should contact their employer as soon as possible.”
He added that bosses and staff should both try to find a solution together.
Employers have a ‘duty of care’ to their staff, which means they should not encourage you to travel if the official advice is to avoid travelling except for emergencies.
For example, in its Storm Goretti amber weather warning, the Met Office warns that driving in the windy conditions can be dangerous. It advises to drive slowly, be cautious when overtaking, and give other road users more room than usual.
It also adds that you should stay indoors as much as possible.
Similarly, for its snow yellow weather warning, it advises that some vehicles may be stranded on the roads due to delays. It adds that people should amend travel plans if necessary.
However, Acas advises that the employer could ask employees to:
- Come in later if the weather is due to improve
- Make up the lost hours at a later date
- Work from home, or swap planned office days
- Swap shifts with someone who can come into the office
- Change duties temporarily to those that can still be done
- Use their holiday allowances if they cannot work at all
Employers can tell their staff that they must take holiday, but they must give twice as much notice as the amount of holiday they want employees to take.
For example, if the employee can’t come in for three days, the employer must tell them six days in advance to take holiday then.
Will I still get paid if I can’t work due to the snow?
John explained: “If a worker can’t get to work on time or at all because of snow then there’s no automatic right to be paid. But if a workplace has closed due to the bad weather and the worker has still made themselves available to work then they should be paid in full.”
However, an employee could agree with their employer to take paid annual leave, which could be ideal for both parties.
What are my rights if my child’s school is closed due to snow?
Parents and carers have a right to take ‘time off for dependents’ in emergency situations.
This includes needing to look after children when schools are closed, or if a dependant’s carer cannot reach them. However, this is unpaid.
If you’re not sure how best to handle discussions with your employer about not being able to travel into work, speak to Acas.
