Know your rights…
Storm Emma is going to hit Ireland this week and there’s a possibility that some schools and workplaces will have to close due to the adverse weather Emma will bring along with it.
Speaking about employees rights in terms of pay for days missed due to bad weather, Derek McKay, Managing Director of Adare Human Resource Management said: “From a strict legal standpoint, there is no obligation to pay employees when they cannot attend work due to weather.
“Payment in such circumstances is discretionary. Any other arrangement is a matter of agreement between employer and employee.
“However, health and safety should always take priority. We believe that in these circumstances employers should take a long-term view of the working relationship, recognising that demonstrating concern for the welfare of employees and treating them fairly translates into a better working environment to the benefit of both the staff and the employer,” he added.
When a business or organisation premises is unable to open due to weather, the employer should make every effort to notify employees as soon as possible. Again, in this situation employees are not legally obliged to be paid. However, where the organisation decides that it is possible to open the premises but determines that it is impractical, then in such circumstances employees will be entitled to be paid.
In these circumstances, employers are encouraged to review their employment contracts and what is permissible and provided for.
However, it’s advised that a common sense approach be taken around all health and safety considerations during Storm Emma.
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