Staff stuck at home because of bad weather should still be paid, says TUC

The TUC has advised employers they should pay staff who were unable to get to work yesterday due to adverse weather as withholding pay or forcing them to take holidays could create resentment.

There is no legal right for employees to be paid if they do not make it to work, but companies have been warned to have ‘bad weather policies' in place to pay those who made a ‘heroic' effort to come in despite the lack of public transport.

The union advised employers to suggest home-working plans for staff who cannot make it into the workplace.

Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, said: "Across the country, people have been braving the elements to get into work. Employers and workers must keep each other informed as to whether it's safe or even possible to commute to and from work.

"Scrooge bosses who dock pay and deduct holiday will add to their business woes by creating resentment among staff. Workers who have been prevented from working through no fault of their own should not have to foot the bill for the bad weather conditions."

It has been estimated the adverse weather this week could cost UK employers £3,5 billion in lost productivity.