How to deal with the disruption of adverse weather

In the midst of winter, many of us are dreading the prospect of snow and ice and the disruption this has caused in your business previously.

As an employers what control do you really have when employees fail to attend work due to adverse weather conditions? Here are our tips for being prepared.

1) Have an adverse weather policy

Making clear what the guidelines and considerations are for operating during adverse weather conditions can avoid disputes and ill feeling between you and your employees. Our adverse weather polices make clear what is expected in terms of reporting for work, leaving early and your health & safety obligations as a responsible employer.

2) Have systems for home working

Could your business operate short term if your workforce was unable to attend your business premises? You may want to consider what your contingency plans are and whether there is the ability for example to divert calls, to access your server or systems remotely etc… so that to the outside world it is business as usual.

3) Be Fair

Even if you see the effects of absent workers you should still ensure that any measures are carried out according to proper and fair procedure. Be consistent with how you review requests to work from home or take time off to avoid these issues escalating to a grievance or tribunal claim.

If you would like to discuss how you can plan effectively for adverse weather or if you are an existing client and would like to add this policy to your handbook then feel free to contact me on 0844 8797286 or email me at sarah@questconsulltingservices.co.uk.

Author – Sarah Birkenshaw

Date – January 2015

Image courtesy of "debspoons" at FreeDigitalPhotos.net