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Transport and adverse weather

Transport and adverse weather

This page looks at the various issues relating to weather and transport that may affect your job or business.

Key points to remember

  • Employees are not automatically entitled to pay if unable to get to work because of bad weather
    There is no legal right for staff to be paid by an employer for travel delays (unless the travel itself is constituted as working time or in some situations where the employer provides the transport). However, employers may have contractual, collective or custom and practice arrangements in place for this. Discretionary payment for travel disruption might also be of use.
  • Be flexible where possible
    A more flexible approach to matters such as working hours and location may be effective if possible. The handling of bad weather and travel disruption can be an opportunity for an employer to enhance staff morale and productivity by the way it is handled for example is there opportunity to work from home.
  • Use information technology
    Information technology could be useful in enabling a business to run effectively if many employees are absent from work.
  • Deal with issues fairly
    Even if businesses are damaged by the effects of absent workers they should still ensure that any measures they take are carried out according to proper and fair procedure. This will help maintain good, fair and consistent employment relations and help prevent complaints to employment tribunals.
  • Plan ahead
    If you have never experienced this kind of situation before now would be a good time to think about how you handle future scenarios. Think about issues such as alternative working patterns or who can cover at short notice and put policies in place.

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Employee Questions
Employers Questions
What can I do to keep difficulties to a minimum
I'm being put under pressure by my boss but because of the weather there is no way I can get there. What can I do?
I have children and they have been off school so I can't get to work? How does this affect my work rights?
I managed to make it into work but most of my colleagues didn't? I'm feeling a bit annoyed that I'm having to work and they are not (and they are getting paid).
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