Why Should Employers Have An Adverse Weather And Travel Disruption Policy

As the UK transport network often grinds to a halt during periods of snow, it is essential for employers to put in place clear procedures, aimed at those who commute to the workplace, so that employees know what is expected of them and so as to avoid confusion.

Such a policy can also cover situations where there is industrial action affecting the transport networks or in the event of major incidents covering health and public safety.

The policy should clearly set out what is expected of the employee in terms of seeking alternative routes or means of transport, allowing extra time to travel, and regularly checking for weather updates with the intention of attending the workplace if at all possible. Issues such as whether to permit late starts and early finishes and whether employees are required to make up the time at a later date could also be included.

Where employees fail to comply with the policy, it should be made clear that they may be subject to disciplinary proceedings for misconduct. During such proceedings, factors such as the travel distance, local conditions and whether employees in a similar position were able to attend the workplace could be taken into consideration.

The policy should clearly state whether employees who are unable to attend the workplace are entitled to paid leave, whether they can use their annual leave instead as opposed to taking unpaid leave, and whether they are permitted to take flexi leave.  Another option is to allow employees to work from home or from an alternative place of work.

Employees may have a statutory right to reasonable time off without pay where childcare arrangements have been disrupted (i.e. school/nursery closure or the unavaiability of childminders) due to adverse weather.

Employers should also be aware that generally, the temperature in the workplace should be at least 16 degres Celsius.

Published: November 2014

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For further advice on your employment issues contact Gillian Reid on 01904 716050 or Gillian.Reid@warekay.co.uk.

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