TUC urges employers to show understanding over bad weather and school closures

date: Wednesday 23 January 2013

embargo: For immediate release

With snow and ice still covering much of the UK and the freezing weather set to continue, the TUC has today (Wednesday) issued advice for workers and their employers on what they should do during the current cold snap.

While workers should make every reasonable effort to get into work, the TUC says that employees shouldn't attempt to travel if it's not safe to do so, particularly if they live in isolated areas.

By now employers in areas of the country affected by the snowy conditions should have put out advice to their staff, and those who've not done so should be urgently drawing up cold weather policies so everyone knows where they stand the next time it snows, says the TUC.

The TUC wants bad weather policies to set out what is expected of staff and what they should do when snow, ice and a lack of public transport prevents them from getting into work. Any 'snow' policy should also cover what parents should do if local schools close and they have no alternative means of childcare.

When the snow causes problems on the UK's transport network and for schools it makes sense for employers to allow staff who are able to do so to work from home rather than struggle with a lengthy commute to and from work.

The TUC also strongly advises against employers withholding pay or forcing staff to use their holiday as it fears this could cause unnecessary resentment, and is unfair on employees who've been kept away from work through no fault of their own.

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'Across the country, people have braved the elements to get into work. But with the cold and icy weather still causing disruption, it is essential that employers and employees keep each other informed as to whether it's safe, or even possible, to commute to and from work.

'For many employees the bad weather and lack of public transport have made their commute virtually impossible, but thankfully many employers now have 'bad weather' policies so staff know what is expected of them.

'But scrooge bosses who dock pay and take away holiday are needlessly adding to their business woes by creating resentment amongst their staff. Workers who have been prevented from getting to work despite their best efforts should not lose pay because of the bad weather.

'Employers also need to be aware of the difficulties faced by staff whose children have been unable to go to school for several days because of the snow chaos. Some may be able to take their children to work. Others may be able to work from home. But those who can do neither need support and understanding from their employers.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- A 'bad weather' policy might say.....During bad weather or when there are severe transport disruptions, staff may have difficulties getting to work or returning home. Staff should make every effort to attend work. However, (insert employer's name) is committed to protecting staff health and safety and does not expect staff to put themselves at risk when trying to attend work. Staff should use their judgement. Take heed of any travel warnings and do not travel if advised not to. If you judge that weather conditions or transport problems make it impossible for you to get to work, you should contact your (insert designated contact head of Department/line manager) as soon as possible to tell them about the problem. Your manager will make a judgement on whether:

you will be allowed to come in late;

you will be allowed to work from home; or

if your job can't be done at home, you will be allowed to stay at home without suffering any loss of pay or annual leave.

If you are advised to come in late, you will be allowed to claim your normal working hours.
If your line manager is not available, try to speak to someone else in the workplace. Failing that, please leave a voicemail message for your manager, including a contact telephone number. Your manager will then ring you back to advise you what to do.

If you need to leave work early because of bad weather or severe disruption to transport services, you will need to discuss this first with your line manager, and depending on the circumstances you will be allowed to claim your normal working hours.

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Alex Rossiter T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07887 572130 E: arossiter@tuc.org.uk