No doubt you and all your staff have seen the weather report and that snow is expected this week. There is every chance the snow will miss us but it is always better to be prepared.
So the main question all your staff will have is “do we get paid?”
The first place you should check for this answer is your Adverse Weather Policy. If you do not have one, then this is the guidance.
If a worker cannot get to work due to the weather, or they are delayed getting in, then they do not have the automatic right to be paid. However, if you decide to close the business and your staff are either in work or can attend work, then they will be entitled to their normal pay as it is your choice to close the business.
How can I keep my business going?
This is very much dependent on each business and the role that a worker has. But if they are able to work from home, make arrangements for them to have full access from a laptop or home computer. Mobile phones can be used for you to keep in contact with them and for them to make contact with your customers. If this is an option, make sure the plan is put in place before the snow arrives so everyone is prepared.
Not being paid for a day or so may cause some workers difficulties, especially as they may still be trying to get over their Christmas spending. Options you have available are asking them to take annual leave or to make up the hours when the snow has cleared.
What if their child’s school is closed?
School closure can cause difficulty for workers. As even though they may be able to get to work, they have no one to look after their child. In this situation, Dependent Leave comes in to play. This is where there is an emergency situation involving a dependent where anyone with employee status has the right to take unpaid time off.
Reporting absence
If a worker cannot get into work or is going to be late, then the normal absence reporting procedure applies.
If you have any queries in relation to this, please contact a member of the Howells Employment Team.
