What are your rights at work if your flight is cancelled
29.08.2023 - 15:27
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Thousands of passengers have been left stranded abroad after a technical fault with UK air traffic control led to major travel disruption. Although the issue was resolved on Monday (August 28) afternoon, flights continue to be cancelled or delayed as it continues to have a knock-on effect.
This has meant many holidaymakers have been unable to travel home when they originally planned. It’s a stressful situation to be in as it involves finding additional accommodation if needed, organising alternative flights and claiming compensation - you can read more about your rights here.
Those whose flights are delayed may be worrying about how it impacts their return to work, and what the situation is when it comes to pay and annual leave. James Watkins, employment lawyer at Howells Solicitors, has explained what options workers have.
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He said: “If you’re stranded abroad due to a cancelled or delayed flight, requiring you to miss at least an extra day off work, then you might be wondering what your rights are, and whether your employer will pay you. The simple answer is no, your employer shouldn’t have to pay for you for an additional day, or days, if you find yourself needing extra time off work.
“However, it’s up to your manager and your employer on whether these extra days can be taken from your annual leave allowance at short notice. You could ask your employee if you’re able to take this extra time as annual leave, although if you don’t have any leave remaining, it may be counted as unpaid leave, if the manager agrees to this over the other options.
“Another choice that you may have, depending on business opening hours, is