As more weather warnings across the UK are issued, the CIPD urges employers to offer flexible work provisions.
The professional body for HR & people development has encouraged businesses to provide support to staff who might find it difficult to get to their regular workplace.
Claire McCartney is the policy and practice manager for the CIPD. She said that during periods of extreme weather employers should be flexible in regards to where and when staff members work. When possible, working from home can help employees be more productive and comfortable. It also helps them get their work done.
She acknowledged, however, that not all jobs allow for remote work, and suggested employers and employees work together to determine the best way to get people to and from their workplace.
McCartney stated: “Flexibility of start and end times can help employees navigate the challenges presented by travel disruption and icy conditions.”
She advised employers to make sure that staff are as comfortable as they can be in their workplaces, which includes providing access to facilities such as heating and air conditioning.
Official guidance states that employees should work indoors at a minimum temperature of 16degC or 13degC when performing physical labor. McCartney said that health and safety must be the number one priority. Employers should pay special attention to those who have a disability or a health condition.
Acas says that flexibility is important when traveling to work becomes impossible or difficult due to disruptions in travel. It also highlights the fact that employers have a duty to care for their employees’ health and safety, and shouldn’t encourage them to travel if it’s dangerous to do so.
The report said that employers should consider allowing their staff to work at home or to travel to the office later in the day, if it is predicted to be better weather. They can also work flexible hours and temporarily swap home working days.
Patricia Hicks, Acas advisor, said that cold weather could make it hard for people to travel to work. Staff should check timetables, traffic warnings, as well as let their employers know if they anticipate being delayed. If they know that they will be late, and the trip is not unreasonable .”, employees may want to leave earlier.
Acas advises that businesses must consider the individual circumstances when making decisions, and should maintain communication, be consistent with their decision-making and explain their reasoning if required.
Hicks said: “Bosses need to discuss all options with their employees and let them know if the employee’s salary will be affected.”
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