Workers should not have to foot the bill for bad weather conditions, says TUC

As workers struggle back into work following the recent snowstorms, the TUC today (Tuesday) issues new advice about when it is reasonable to stay at home and how employers should treat time lost through bad weather.

While workers should make every reasonable effort to get into work, the TUC advises that you should not attempt to travel if it is not safe to do so. Employers should advise staff about getting into work and returning home so that they do not get trapped at work or put at risk if the weather gets worse. Workers should also let their employers know if they are not able to make it into work.

For those struggling with their commute, working from home is a useful alternative as long as it is technically feasible to do so, says the TUC.

Despite the heroic efforts of millions to get into work, the bad weather and lack of public transport have prevented many people from working. While there is no general legal right to be paid if you do not come into work, many companies have ëbad weatherí policies so that employees who are kept away from work are still paid.

For those employers who donít have ëbad weatherí policies, the TUC advises them to be sympathetic as not paying staff or forcing them to take holiday will cause resentment among those have been kept away from work through no fault of their own.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: ìAcross the country, people have been braving the elements to get into work. Employers and workers must keep each other informed as to whether itís safe, or even possible, to commute to and from work.

ìBut for many the bad weather and lack of public transport have made their commute impossible. Good employers will already have ëbad weatherí policies so that those who are unable to work are still paid.

ìScrooge bosses that dock pay and take away holiday will add to their business woes by creating resentment among staff. Workers who have been prevented from working through no fault of their own should not have to foot the bill for the bad weather conditions.

ìInstead we urge all employers to look after their staff during these adverse weather conditions.î