TUC Urges Bosses To Allow Workers Day Off If Snow Continues

If you have windows or social media, you'll probably have seen that the country has been hit by snowfall. I know, snow in January - who would have thought, eh?

The white stuff has been falling across the UK, from London and the South East through to the North West, and the Met Office has forecast more for later this week.

PA

Now, while it might look all magical and lovely, it can also be a massive pain in the arse for anyone who has to try and travel in it, with cancelled train services, scary driving conditions and slippery pavements.

With this in mind, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has urged bosses to consider announcing a 'snow day' and giving a day off to employees who work in parts of the UK hit by snow, particularly if they live in remote areas.

The TUC wants employers to ensure there is a clear plan in place for workers during this current cold snap, with ideas such as homeworking where possible, as well as policies to cover parents who are left without childcare if schools close.

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "In some parts of the UK the snow and ice are causing disruption. It is essential that employers don't force staff to make dangerous journeys just for the sake of being seen to be in the office.

"For many people the conditions will have made their commute virtually impossible. Good bosses will already have bad weather policies in place, so staff know what to do. But more employers now need to catch up to make sure their staff don't lose out. 

"Employers also need to be aware of the difficulties faced by staff whose children's schools are closed due to the weather. Some may be able to take their children to work and others may be able to work from home. But those who can do neither need support and understanding from their employers." 

The TUC also stresses that employees shouldn't be forced to forego a day's pay if they can't make it into work, nor should they have to use a day's holiday.

There's also stipulations about how cold it's allowed to be before you get sent home from work, with the TUC adding: "The temperature should normally be at least 16°C (or 13°C if much of the work indoors involves severe physical effort)."

Time to let your boss know...

Topics: UK News

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19