Yellow weather warnings for ice and how companies handle such delays.
Employees will likely work from home when yellow weather warnings for ice are issued. (Photo: Sky News)
All About The Yellow Weather
Yellow weather warnings for ice have been issued in southern England and south Wales, where temperatures have dropped below freezing and snow is falling. The yellow weather has caused delays on roads and railways.
Employees cannot be forced to travel to work in dangerous conditions such as during the yellow weather, and if they can work from home, they will likely have to. If not, they may need to take unpaid leave, use annual leave, or make up the hours later.
Companies have different policies when yellow weather warnings are issued, so employees should consult their office handbook and contract. If an office is closed due to yellow weather, employees don’t have to take a holiday or lose pay if they are ready to work.
Employers should pay workers fully if their hours are reduced due to yellow weather or if employees responsible for building access cannot make it in. While there is no specific law regarding yellow weather absences, employers must provide a reasonable level of comfort, with offices at least 16 degrees Celsius or 13 degrees for physically demanding work.
According to a published article by The U.S. Sun, employers have the final say on work arrangements during yellow weather, but it is suggested that there should be relaxing dress codes, allowing warmer clothing, providing extra breaks for hot drinks, and considering alternative heating options.
Laws Regarding Bad Weather Conditions
In a published article by The Sun, there is no automatic legal right for employees to be paid if they cannot make it to work due to snow or ice. Employers are entitled to consider such absences as unauthorized unless they provide transportation services that are canceled.
Some employers may allow the use of annual leave or working from home in such situations. Additionally, there is no specific minimum workplace temperature requirement, although employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment.
If the workplace is closed due to extreme weather, employees should still be paid unless there is prior notice and opportunity to take it as a holiday. Employers may be held liable for accidents caused by unsafe conditions at work.
READ ALSO: Certain Mold Types Said To Be Killed Through Peppermint Essential Oil
