If you can’t get to work due to severe weather conditions or if you’re forced to take time off because schools are closed and you can’t find anyone to care for your children, it’s worth finding out what your employment rights are and whether you will still get paid.
Check your employment contract to see if your employer has a policy that deals with bad weather situations - some employers may still pay you if adverse weather stops you from coming into work. If your employment does include a policy, then your employer should follow this.
If your employment contract doesn’t include anything, then speak to your employer as soon as possible to reach an agreement about how the day is treated. You could consider:
- a flexible working agreement
- for example if possible you could work from home or make up the hours you miss at a later date
- or think about taking either paid or unpaid annual leave
If you can’t get to work because you have to look after children as a result of schools or childminding facilities closing, you probably have the right for time off to look after them - although your employer does not have to pay you for this.
If your workplace is closed and you have no option but to take the day off, then your employer cannot dock your pay or request you to take annual leave.
For more information on severe weather and employment rights visit the Employment section on Directgov.
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment