During periods of sudden, severe weather, disruptions to the road networks and public transport, may mean staff face difficulties in getting to work on time or at all.
What to expect
Staff are expected to attend for work as usual and to make reasonable efforts to get to work.
However, this needs to be balanced with a worker’s health and safety, and staff should not be expected to put themselves at unnecessary risk when travelling.
Keeping in touch
Staff should make contact as soon as possible once they know there could be an issue with getting to work.
You should discuss:
• How to keep in touch
• Any urgent work that may need covering
• Alternative modes of transport that could be utilised, if any.
Alternative arrangements
Employers will need to discuss what will happen next, this could include agreeing:
• Home working or working from an alternative site
• Swapping shifts
• Using annual leave
• Making up time lost at a later date
• Unpaid leave.
Pay
Absence from work due to sudden weather disruptions will usually be unpaid, unless your contracts or policies say otherwise. You should make it clear if pay will be affected.
Other considerations
Employers should:
• Check contracts and policies and ensure these are adhered to - staff are also expected to adhere to these.
• Treat staff fairly and consistently – consider any previous similar cases you have dealt with.
• Take into account individual circumstances - such as distance to travel or health and safety concerns.
• Consider introducing an adverse weather policy.
You can access our template Adverse Weather and Travel Disruption policy on our website Contracts and Handbook – NFU Employment Service.
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