Getting in bother if you think you're unable to get to work?

Voyager2002

The OP sounds as if she is describing Lancaster (where I am). The situation here is extremely bad, and no self-respecting employer would give anyone problems if they followed police advice about avoiding excessive risk.

TELLIT01

ScorpiondeRooftrouser wrote: »

No sensible employer does. However, walking 3 miles in the snow is hardly putting yourself at risk. Who decides when the risk becomes unreasonable?

I would beg to differ on that one. Walking 3 miles in the snow could be putting a person at considerable risk if they don't have suitable clothing. There's a big difference between having a warm coat for example, and having the correct gear for falling snow, wind and icy conditions under foot.
I had to walk home in those conditions once, and even with the good walking gear I had, it took over 2 hours and I was absolutely frozen when I got home.
As to who decides when the risk becomes unreasonable? The only person who knows the actual conditions is the person in them and they have to be the one to make the decision.

ohreally

Does the employer have an adverse weather policy?

FBaby

I had to walk home in those conditions once, and even with the good walking gear I had, it took over 2 hours and I was absolutely frozen when I got home.

It makes me laugh how drastic people in this country respond to snow! Nothing wrong with being 'frozen' on a one occasion. Avid skiers will tell you that they all have experienced one of those 'being frozen' day but survived ok!

All it requires is two layers of socks and boots, a undergarment, a couple of jumpers and a coat, a hat and gloves, things that everyone tend to have. Unless you have a medical condition that makes you vulnerable to cold, walking in the snow is actually excellent exercise for anyone.

Red-Squirrel_2

Nicki wrote: »

And if your attendance record is poor, maybe suggest you offer to take this as a days annual leave or unpaid leave (which your boss is likely to respond there is no need) to demonstrate good faith.

I have to say, if I was perfectly willing to work but circumstances beyond my control prevented it, there's no way I would be offering to forego my pay for the day or give up my valuable leave.

Pennywise

Voyager2002 wrote: »

The OP sounds as if she is describing Lancaster (where I am). The situation here is extremely bad, and no self-respecting employer would give anyone problems if they followed police advice about avoiding excessive risk.

Depends on the part of Lancaster. Some areas are very badly hit, but some are absolutely clear. Most schools were open today. Back to the OP, it really depends on the circumstances.

Comms69

Voyager2002 wrote: »

The OP sounds as if she is describing Lancaster (where I am). The situation here is extremely bad, and no self-respecting employer would give anyone problems if they followed police advice about avoiding excessive risk.

Pennywise wrote: »

Depends on the part of Lancaster. Some areas are very badly hit, but some are absolutely clear. Most schools were open today. Back to the OP, it really depends on the circumstances.

Hello fellow lancastrians.


I agree some areas are absolutely fine, but others not so lucky. Shame really the businesses there have been hit time and time again!

clairec79

I think it depends, if there is another, safe, way round then I do think you should do that, even if it takes longer

However if there is no safe way to get to work don't risk your own safety

TELLIT01

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

I have to say, if I was perfectly willing to work but circumstances beyond my control prevented it, there's no way I would be offering to forego my pay for the day or give up my valuable leave.

That may not be a decision for you to make. Many places, certainly many in the public sector, don't make any allowance for weather conditions preventing people getting to work. If you don't turn up it's either unpaid or take a days leave from your annual allowance.

Energize

The flooding is pretty bad, the employer shouldn't be giving you crap about it, does this sort of thing not fall under some sort of force majeure?