November 19, 2024
As winter’s grip tightens on England, millions of workers are bracing for what could be the first significant snowfall of the season, with up to 21 cm of snow expected to blanket parts of the country. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings effective from Sunday through Tuesday, signalling potential disruptions across several regions including York, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cumbria, Northumberland, and Lancashire.
Navigating Work in Wintry Conditions:
With the forecast turning white, the question on many workers‘ minds is, “Will I get a snow day?” Employment lawyer Simon Robinson clarifies that there isn’t a specific minimum temperature legally required for workplaces to be safe, but employers are bound by a duty of care. “The obligation on an employer is to provide a reasonable workplace temperature,” Robinson explains. “Conducting a risk assessment is crucial, especially when considering outdoor work conditions which can severely impact employee health if not managed properly.”
Employer Responsibilities:
Employers are advised to assess how long employees will work in cold work environments, ensure adequate rest breaks, keep workers warm, and provide personal protective equipment (PPE). “If an employer cannot ensure suitable measures to guarantee safety at work, then employees should not be required to carry out the work in those conditions,” Robinson added. This guidance becomes particularly pertinent as snow can lead to slippery conditions, hypothermia risks, and other cold-related health issues.
Legal Perspectives on Snow Days:
Aura Kearsley, from Nelsons Solicitors, points out the nuances of employment during adverse weather. “It’s generally the employee’s responsibility to commute to and from work,” she notes. However, if employer-provided transport like a bus service is cancelled due to the weather, the absence might be seen differently. Kearsley further elucidates, “This absence cannot typically be marked as a holiday, but employers might request remote working if feasible.”
For those on zero-hours contracts or where the employer has the right to decline work at short notice, payment might not be guaranteed. Kearsley adds, “If there’s advance notice of bad weather, employers could require employees to use their holiday time.”
The Workers Union Says…
“As England prepares for this wintry onslaught, both employers and employees are navigating the delicate balance between safety and productivity. With the snow set to potentially disrupt normal operations, understanding your rights and responsibilities becomes paramount. Stay updated with local travel advisories and workplace policies to navigate these frosty conditions wisely. Stay Warm, Stay Safe, and Stay Informed.”
