Snow nightmare last week - work rights

[anastasia74]

Hi, hope someone can help.

I had to have 2 days off last week. Couldnt get to work cause of there being no public transport due to 2 foot of snow.

My manager has just told me I can either loose 2 days pay, take the 2 days has holiday or work the 2 days next week. I already work 5 days a week.

There is no compromise at all.

I can't even do an extra day a month.

Anyone else in this situation.

Thanks

[scurryfunge]

Was there facility to do some work from home at all?

I think it sounds like your work has compromised by offering you a choice.

[thenightsky]

I have had to have 6 days off and I have had to use annual leave days... luckily I saved enough for bad weather.

[flowerytaleofNewYork]

I agree it does sound as though they are compromising. They are not just not paying you, they are instead giving you the option to take paid holiday so you don't lose out financially, or to make up the time.

[nocake]

The company is legally permitted to not pay you for those days as you haven't done any work. It sounds like they've been moderately generous in giving you some options.

[autodidact]

Nightmare. I don't think there's anything you can do. Think companies are getting much tougher on snow days as they stand to really lose out if they pay everyone who doesn't come in. Some people take the piss as well and claim they can't go in because of one snowflake when they live within walking distance of their office. But it's crap if you genuinely can't get to work and have to take precious A/L or lose money.

[anastasia74]

Hi, thanks for your replies, no can't work from home. It's a new job so only have 2 days holiday accrued.

I suppose everyone is in same situation.

[Poogles]

Was your workplace open? the situation is slightly different if you wouldn't have been able to work even if you had got there.

I know it sounds harsh having to take holiday or lose money, but the Company it's not their fault you couldn't get to work

[SMulledwineS]

I didn't get paid for 3 days last week because the snow shut our office. I could have go in but my office was shut.

[MistletoeAndWhineWithMe]

DP is down a hundred quid on his wages this week.
He had two days off when public transport was taken off and our road was blocked.
He works 14 miles away so no way he could get in on foot.
Despite having a lot of AL stored work can't pay him because the company does not allow staff to take holidays during December.

[SMulledwineS]

Mistletoe, that's rubbish. I'm the same, my office didn't open an although I could have got to work I was told not to come in. I didn't get paid for 3 days..

[PinkElephantsOnParade]

SmulledWine, My understanding is that you should be paid if you are available for work but are told not to come in because the office was closed.

There was another thread about this and the answer was that it is illegal to dock pay for days where the employer decides to close the office.

I think there is guidance on this on the direct.gov website?

Flowery, if you are there, do you have any specific info?

[thumbplumpuddingwitch]

2days = 15 hours, yes? You shouldn't be made to work an extra 15 hours in a week, if you work 37 hours already it would contravene the 48 hour working week thingy (assuming that still exists anywhere and is adhered to). You should be allowed to make up the time over longer than a week, even if you do an extra hour a day, that would only take 3 weeks.

I don't believe anyone should lose pay if the company decides to close, that's just wrong.

[SMulledwineS]

Pink elephants thanks for the info il have a look. I'm classed as labour as staff still got paid but all labour didnt

[PinkElephantsOnParade]

S mulled, you should be paid in accordance with your contract.

If you have regular contracted working hours you should be paid for them.

If you don't have regular hours (a zero hours contract) then I'm afraid you probably are only entitled to pay if you actually work.

Have a look at your contract.

[SMulledwineS]

Thanx il have s look tonight. Company are now putting a snow day plan together for future events!!

[SMulledwineS]

Just had some good news, someone in same position as me threatened to get union involved so those who were told not to come in are going to get paid :) I will believe it when I see it but its going to be a relief :)

[PinkElephantsOnParade]

Good news SMulled