What are your rights if you can't get to work because of the snow
16.01.2024 - 11:11
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Heavy snow has fallen across parts of the UK this morning (Tuesday January 16) after temperatures fell below freezing overnight. Residents woke up to a blanket of the white stuff, forcing two Greater Manchester schools to shut.
The mercury dropped to as low as -5C in some areas overnight. Freezing temperatures will continue this morning before the mercury rises to around 4C this afternoon.
A yellow snow and ice warning came into force at midnight and will last all day today. Forecasters predict that 'further snow showers, perhaps merging into a longer spell of snow, are likely to cause further disruption on Tuesday'.
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But what are your rights if you can't make into work due to the weather? We have the answers.
According to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), there is no legal right for a worker to be paid if they are not able to go into work because of heavy snowfall. However, if the employer normally provides transport for staff to get into work and this is cancelled because of the bad weather, ACAS says that the staff should be paid.
So your boss might be able to make you take unpaid leave, holiday days or work flexible hours to make up time – even if you legitimately can't make it in. But if you show you've made an effort and speak to them early, a reasonable boss shouldn't penalise you.
It's worth checking your contract or staff handbook, though, in case there's anything in it about extreme weather. That way you'll know if your boss is being unfair.
Your employer can't make you take a journey that's not safe. That said, they don't have to pay you either.
According to ACAS, employers have a 'duty of care' for the health