A cold snap can bring chaos to the UK with roads blocked and public transport cancelled - making it difficult, dangerous or almost impossible to get to work.
So if your can't get in, or don't want to risk the danger, you may want to know what your rights are.
If you can't get to work, your boss might be able to make you take unpaid leave, holiday days or work flexible hours to make up time – even if you legitimately can't make it in.
But if you show you've made an effort and speak to them early, a reasonable boss shouldn't penalise you.
It's worth checking your contract or staff handbook, though, in case there's anything in it about extreme weather.
That way you'll know if your boss is being unfair.
Do I HAVE to travel if it's unsafe?
Your employer can't make you take a journey that's not safe.
That said, they don't have to pay you either.
It's cold at work - is that allowed?
An indoor workroom, like an office, has to "provide reasonable comfort without the need for special clothing" - normally that means be at least 16 degrees Celsius.
So if work is colder than that, you've got a case for being sent home.
My office/workplace is closed because of the weather, do I have to take the day as holiday?
Nope.
If you they've closed the office and you can't work from home then your boss can't dock your pay or make you take annual leave.
Can my boss make me take holiday if I can't get in?
No.
Employers normally have to give you at least two days' notice before they are allowed to make you take a day's holiday.
But there may be wiggle room for them if you get more than the statutory minimum holiday (28 days).
Can my boss make me take unpaid leave if I can't get in?
If you can't get to work, your boss might say you should take unpaid leave.
But if it's not already in your contract they can't force you to.
My children's school has closed and I have to look after them, what can I do?
You are entitled to take reasonable amounts of time off work if your childcare arrangements are unexpectedly disrupted.
Although this could well be in the form of unpaid leave, you are protected from suffering any detriment for taking the time off.
They told me I have to work from home/another office. Do I?
There's not a lot you can do about this - if you can work from home, or do some of your work from home, then it's reasonable for them to ask it if you can't make it into the office.
But if you don't already work flexible hours in your contract, your boss can't make you make up time later.
