What your rights are if you’re unable to get into work when it’s snowing as UK braces for wintery weather
Mia Williams
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images/Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
As 'disruptive snow' is predicted across the UK, here is what you're entitled to if you can't get to work.
Snow days as a kid were some of the most exciting times of the year - listening by the radio to see if your school was closed or open.
But as an adult, being snowed in is mostly more of a hindrance than something to be happy about, because time off work usually means skipping a days pay.
Weather forecasters have warned that this week could see 'disruptive snow' in some parts of the UK, with Brits having their 'first taste' of winter.
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The Met Office has issued three yellow warnings for snow and ice across northern Scotland, northern England, Northern Ireland and parts of the Midlands.
But with this kind of weather approaching, what are you actually entitled to if you become snowed in?
According to the workplace relations body - the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) - if your work is open but you can't get in, then your company doesn't necessarily have to pay you.
In this case, the best scenario is to agree with your employer that you will work from home (if possible), or change your hours.
If neither of these things are feasible, then taking a day of unpaid leave could be on the cards.
Despite this, some companies have what is called an 'adverse weather' policy, which could have details about your right to payment in bad weather conditions.
On the other hand, if your work has closed due to snow, and you can't work from home, your pay should usually remain the same.
If your child's school is shut, meaning you have to stay at home to look after them, this could be viewed as an 'emergency situation', where you can take unpaid leave.
ACAS says that employers should try to be flexible and sensible around these conditions.
Travel is another thing that can be affected by extreme weather.
If you don't want to get a train you previously paid for due to delay, you can't usually get a refund - however, the situation is more complex if you have a season ticket.
If you're train is cancelled, you should be able to get on the next train, but checking with station staff is usually a good idea.
The Met Office has warned Brits to leave extra time to travel over the coming days, as the roads will be enviably slower than usual - if you were considering driving.