Getting into work

SandC

honeypop wrote: »

The buses can get about on the roads where I am as they are heavy and the weight is an advantage to them on the roads, for grip I would imagine. My car, a small Ford KA which is comparatively light, has no grip and can't even get out of my space on the road outside, never mind along the roads and up/down hills.

I could walk to the nearest bus route, down a very steep hill, but being 8 months pregnant I don't dare try it and risk falling (as people are doing on that road). I must be a lazy sponger hey! Lucky for me I can work from home so doesn't really apply to me if I can't get into work.

My teeny Citroen Saxo is excellent in snowy conditions for exactly those reasons - small tyres give good grip.

However, the 8 months pregnant bit would give me cause for concern regarding walking safety and I would go on the side of cautiousness in your case.

honeypop

Thanks, I wish my little wheels would grip but it seems it doesn't want to go anywhere. Sending me crazy stuck indoors because I can't risk walking anywhere, but I feel even sorrier for my 18 mth old who is stuck inside with me!

mumcoll

We work 24 miles away across the other side of the county. We managed to get to work this morning, only to find most of my colleagues hadn't even tried. Even those who live near me (we had no problem) and those who live much nearer to work.

People tend to think if they are able to work from home (even if they could get in), they don't have to make the effort. I don't think that's how it should be. Some of the front line services that can't be done from home, could be managed by those able to get into work, regardless of their usual role in the company. I was quite happy to open the post for the organisation as the team who normally do it were so busy taking repairs calls.

Blobby8_2

mumcoll wrote: »

We work 24 miles away across the other side of the county. We managed to get to work this morning, only to find most of my colleagues hadn't even tried. Even those who live near me (we had no problem) and those who live much nearer to work.

Brownie points for you, hopefully your manager will bear this in mind in the future.

ska_lover

It does seem a poor excuse to not make it into work in my experience if other workers are making it in - we dont get HUGE snow around here in the Midlands - a colleague who lived two streets away from me, (she works part time so we dont car share) couldnt get to work and I could - and the roads were fine- and the rest of the week she was at least one hour late for work every day..yes you had to go carefully on the roads, but therse no need for hysteria here or plainly taking the p*ss out of your colleagues.

I have heard about the way other members of staff talk (well rather slag off) about the ones that don't come in yet other staff members have made it in, it isn't good - its not a good sign of commitment to your job if other people can make it and one person can't - and builds resentment in your workplace if other people are having to carry you while you are skiving off at home. It is not your employers fault if you live miles away/in the middle of the sticks or have car problems and people shouldnt be expected to be treated as special cases because of this. You chose to work where you work.

Liz3yy

My partner works 30 miles away and has missed a couple of days work lately as the route has been impassable.

As for me, I cannot drive to work as I have a broken wrist! my partner who has this week off will give me a lift until Xmas, however in the new year I don't know what I'll do.

RedSoleShoes

I use a Park and Ride. The journey was driveable, but slow, yesterday and today. The worst part? The P&R car park!! Got stuck there last night and had to get shovelled out! The council managed to plough out the bus section but didn't bother with any of the car park at all.

I think missing work due to bad weather is one of those things that some people will always take advantage of, even when staff living further away manage to get in.

In my opinion, if some staff get in and others don't, the people that don't should take it unpaid. I would expect to take the time unpaid if I chose not to go in but I would expect to be paid if it was my employer who told me not to come in.

velour_fog

Everybody is different and have different values. Work isn't everything and if you feel the risk isn't worth taking then that's your choice. Some people go to extreme lengths to get to work and, whilst certainly commendable, is sometimes a little silly. I try not to judge either too harshly.
You get a similar story with illness. Some people take time off with a cold or sore throat, others persevere despite significant illness.
There is probably a sensible middle ground but who is qualified to define it?
I for one fall into the 'travel at all costs/don't give in to illness' category but definitely have a limit.

Sammyantha

ska_lover wrote: »

we dont get HUGE snow around here in the Midlands

We have this time though!! Staffordshire especially was one of the hardest hit areas. Saying that, my whole office (Burton on Trent), and friends who work in Brum have all gotten into work everyday without probs.

Kt8

have to scoff at some of all these high and mighty i can travel on black ice posts.
There are areas where there has been 2 foot of snow where no snow ploughs have been over just traffic trying to go over at 5 miles an hour with the back end of your car sliding out on all types of cars i have seen this week. the roads are still not cleared and in the middle of tyre tracks on roads which are starting to form are massive mounds of snow that can damage your car. some people just cannot move their car for want or trying if it gets stuck or cant move from ice. some of my work colleagues from the direction they travel from its a piece of pi** 10 mins down the road where its trecherous where the car simply wont move. some people from some areas are still snowed in.

so safey definately 1st,