When the UK is blanketed in snow, many workers ponder if they can dodge the office and enjoy a well-deserved day off. The answer hinges on company policy, your contract, and how the weather affects your commute.
According to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), employers are not legally obliged to pay staff who can’t get to work due to adverse weather. If your workplace is open and you can’t make it, your employer may consider the day as unpaid leave.
However, some firms might let employees use their annual leave or compensate for the lost hours at a later date. Working from home could also be an option if your boss agrees.
Government advice encourages employees to discuss flexible arrangements with their managers, such as remote work or taking leave, if snow hampers travel. But employees wishing to use their annual leave must provide notice of at least double the time off required.
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For instance, one day of annual leave requires two days’ notice. If your workplace shuts down because of snow, employers generally can’t dock pay unless your contract says otherwise, reports the Express.
You might be asked to work from home or at another location instead. Employees with kids can take unpaid time off if school closures leave them without childcare, under the right to emergency leave for dependents.
For those contemplating walking to work when driving is risky, what’s reasonable depends on individual circumstances.
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If walking to work isn’t possible or safe, your employer can’t make you come in. However, if you don’t turn up, you might not get paid.
This is also the case if train services are cancelled or it’s too risky to drive. Acas suggests looking at your contract or company policies for any rules about bad weather.
It’s a good idea to plan ahead and talk to your employer about other options to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes over pay. Severe weather can cause major travel problems, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you get the day off.