UK snow day has people questioning whether they can miss work (Image: Getty)
While are commonplace for , it’s not quite as simple for workers faced with delayed trains or blocked motorways as a result of in the UK.
The rise of remote working has made scoring a day off because of the weather more unlikely, but the answer still depends on factors including company policy, contractual agreements and whether you could get the same work done at home.
Weather conditions described as have caused school closures, train cancellations and road delays across the UK today after the put three yellow warnings for snow and ice in place in the North, Midlands, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also issued an amber cold weather health alert, warning that conditions could be especially dangerous for vulnerable people including the elderly.
Snow fell across parts of the UK this morning (Image: Getty)
One way of getting a snow day could be by taking unpaid leave, with employers not legally required to pay staff who can’t make it to work because of the weather, according to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acras).
Depending on the situation, companies might be more lenient, however, and allow employees to make up the time later or use their annual leave allowance.
Government guidance suggests workers having to look after children due to school closures caused by snow should speak to their employer and may have the right to time off to take care of them.
It also states that if a workplace is closed because of weather disruption and employees don’t usually work from home, they cannot generally deduct pay. They are able to request that people work from home or go to an alternative workplace, however.
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It’s natural to be concerned about the impact of extreme weather on travel safety, but what is and isn’t reasonable will depend on the individual circumstances.
may be cancelled and it might be too dangerous to drive or walk – but if the office is open, you might not get paid if you don’t show up.
Acas recommends consulting your company policies and contract for information about adverse weather policies. Sadly, it’s not as simple as listening out for your school’s name to be announced on the radio!