Search

date: 5 January 2010

embargo: For immediate release

TUC advice for getting to and from work in the snow

With snow and ice already covering much of the UK and weather reports suggesting that the snowstorms are moving south, the TUC has today (Tuesday) issued advice for workers and their employers on what to do when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

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.

Employers in areas of the country already affected by the snowy conditions should already have put out advice to their staff and employers based in areas yet to be hit should be doing so now, says the TUC.

Employers should keep an eye on the weather this afternoon, taking care that workers don't get trapped at work and put at risk as the snow starts to fall. Workers should also let their employers know if they are not able to make it into work in the morning, the TUC says.

With the snow causing problems on the UK's transport network, the TUC says that 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 work.

Many employers already have bad weather policies which 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 their local schools close and they have no alternative means of childcare.

Early last year when snow and ice affected much of the country, it was reported that some mean employers were docking the pay of their staff, despite their often valiant attempts to get into work. The TUC advises against withholding pay or forcing staff to take holiday as it fears this could cause unnecessary resentment to employees who've been kept away from work through no fault of their own.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Across the country, people are braving the elements to get into work. But with the snow still falling and the cold and icy weather set to stay with us for a good few days to come, we need a sensible approach to getting into work. Employers and workers must keep each other informed as to whether it's safe, or even possible, to commute to and from work.

'For many the bad weather and lack of public transport have already made their commute impossible, but many employers will have 'bad weather' policies in place so staff are clear as to what is expected of them.

'Scrooge bosses who dock pay and take away holiday are needlessly adding to their business woes by creating resentment amongst staff. Workers who have been prevented from getting to work despite their best efforts should not have to foot the bill for the bad weather conditions.'

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.

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

Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (900 words) issued 5 Jan 2010