Many international workers have had their plans disrupted by the closure of London Heathrow, the fourth busiest airport in the world, due to an electrical fire. They may have been stuck after attending meetings overseas or they might be flying out for a meeting.
A fire that started in a nearby electrical substation at Hayes around 11pm last evening has left the entire area with intermittent power. Passengers are advised to avoid the airport until 23.59pm.
HR will be a crucial component for organisations affected. Alan Price, CEO of BrightHR, said: “Regardless of whether employees are traveling for business or annual leave, they will require flexibility and understanding on the part from all parties.
Employers have a duty to care for their employees when they travel on business. The employer should try to find alternative transportation, keep in contact with the employee at all times, and provide accommodation if necessary until the employee can get home.
Keep all receipts related to food, lodging and other travel expenses.
Price said: “Some employees may have taken time off for family holidays which are now delayed or cancelled, so employers will likely receive requests to cancel annual leaves and return to work. Employers are not obliged to accept this request, particularly if they have arranged for cover during the period that employees were supposed to be away.
Employees who are on vacation and haven’t been able to return home or who were supposed to be back at work today will need to call their employer and explain what happened. It is crucial to communicate clearly. The employer should be flexible, understanding and accommodating.
He suggested that HR teams examine the options available, such as paid/unpaid leaves to cover any additional absences, and if those affected have time off available in lieu.
Price said that employers in the south east of England need to be aware that power outages and train cancellations will affect some workers.
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