Storm Goretti: TUC calls on employers to show “common sense and understanding” as UK braces for extreme weather

With the Met Office issuing a 'red warning’ for parts of Britain the TUC has called on employers not to force their staff to take excessive risks by making dangerous journeys to work.   

The TUC says employers must show understanding and not punish workers who cannot safely travel to work by withholding pay or making them use their holiday.  

Bad weather policies   

The TUC suggests that all employers have clear weather policies to set out what staff should do when snow and ice, or a lack of public transport, prevents them from getting to work.  

For example, when the snow causes problems on the UK’s transport network it makes sense for employers to encourage and enable staff who can to work from home, rather than struggle with a lengthy, risky and difficult commute to and from work.   

The union body says that these policies should also cover what parents should do if schools close and they have no alternative childcare.  

Minimum temperature   

The TUC is also reminding employers to keep their workplaces safe during the cold weather.   

Official health and safety law says the temperature should normally be at least 16°C (or 13°C if much of the work indoors involves severe physical effort). And bosses should also ensure entrances to workplaces are gritted and not slippery.    

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:  

“This will be a stressful time for many people – especially with forecasters sounding the alarm. 

“Employers must show basic common sense and understanding.  

“No one should be pressured into making dangerous journeys. And workers shouldn’t be punished with lost pay or forced to take holiday because the weather makes travel impossible. 

"Good bosses will already have bad weather policies in place so staff know where they stand. They will also recognise that when schools are closed some parents will not be able to work as they have to care for their children.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors: 

- About the TUC: The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.3 million working people who make up our 47 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.