Unable to attend work due to strike action or bad weather?
Nurses outside Leeds General Infirmary are standing-up for a fair pay rise and better working conditions.
Strike disruption and cold wintry conditions have played havoc with the daily commute – but what happens if it means you are unable to attend work?
Train strikes have led to widespread disruption, which is likely to continue with further industrial action planned. Bus drivers in London are also taking strike action.
And so far in December we have had multi-coloured cold weather warnings, seen heavy snowfall and experienced the coldest day in the UK since 2010.
With winter far from over, there could be more – or even worse - yet to come.
A planned teachers’ strike in January could also cause further problems for working parents.
If you are unable to attend work for matters beyond your control, then good communication, in any situation, with your employer is essential.
There is no legal right that means you should automatically be paid if you miss work because of strike action or bad weather.
If you rely on public transport to get to and from work, then there is always advanced warning of strike action.
Speak to your boss if it means you will be unable to attend work on any date that industrial action will take place.
You have a responsibility to get to and from work. If you genuinely cannot attend work as a direct result of planned strike action, then discussing the situation beforehand could allow you to arrange to work from home or to take the time off.
Where your employer is forced to close because of industrial action, then dependent on your contract of employment you could still get paid.
If the planned teachers’ strike for early next year means you will have to stay off work to care for children, you are entitled to take time off.
It is known as ‘dependant leave’ which allows working parents to take time off to deal with an unexpected problem or emergency.
The only issue is that you may not be paid unless your employer specifically says you will.
If you cannot get to work because of bad weather, you should inform your employer as soon as possible.
Good prompt communication is important. It is best to call in as soon as possible rather than send a text.
If you do speak to your manager, it can allow you to make an alternative arrangement to make up for any lost hours.
It is essential you comply with your employer’s absence notification procedure to ensure it is not recorded as an unauthorised absence, which could lead to you facing disciplinary action.
You do not have an automatic legal right to be paid if bad weather prevents you from attending work, but there is an exception.
It is if your contract has a clause allowing leave if you cannot go into work due to adverse weather conditions. If you are unsure if your contract has such a clause, you should check it.