It’s snow excuse – Employments rights and obligations in bad weather

Many workers assume that if they are prevented from travelling to work because of snow and bad weather, they will be entitled to a "snow day" for which they will receive their usual pay.

However, this not necessarily the case, even if police have advised people not to travel unless absolutely necessary. Unless an employer has a specific bad weather policy or has communicated to workers that they do not need to come in or can work from home or otherwise, the basic position remains that of "no work, no pay".

Failing to attend work is a breach of the contract of employment and so the employer has a right not to uphold his/her payment obligations accordingly.

This is the basic position though and indeed many employers will agree to pay workers if they cannot come into the office. The best solution is a compromise whereby employees are paid provided they agree to make up the hours at a later date, travel in later on in the day or work from home. In this way employers can avoid sentiments of resentment and hostility building up in the workplace and workers can show that they are committed to doing the best they can in the circumstances.

If employers or workers are uncertain as to their rights and obligations in the bad weather, they should seek the advice of a solicitor.