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Despite living in a country that is notorious for bad weather in winter, we are still never quite prepared for the snow! This week has seen school closures, drivers stuck in their cars on the motorway overnight, and of course many employees not turning up to the office. Some perhaps have legit reasons for not being able to get to the office, and others who maybe just fancy a snow day at home.

With fresh snow alerts sparking further travel warnings, employers and employees need to understand their rights when it comes to pay. In essence, employers do not need to pay employees if they’re unable to get to work because of bad weather. This includes problems with travel or if an employee’s child’s school is closed or their normal childcare arrangements are disrupted. Unless of course your contract provides for that!

If however the workplace is closed because of disruption and the employee doesn’t usually work from home, employers can’t usually deduct pay.

In severe weather conditions like we have had this week employees should talk to their employer about working from home, taking leave or making time up later if they can’t get to work because of travel disruption. This should be agreed between the employee and the employer.

Employers are urged to have policies in place about how they will handle employee work hours and pay in the event of a rain day, snow day, or other emergencies, and ensure this information is shared with all staff.