Employers 'under no obligation' to foot the snow bill

Employers are under no obligation to pay staff who are unable to get to work because of snow disruption, one legal expert has stated.

James Carmody, principal of Reculver Solicitors, said it is the responsibility of the employee to make sure they can travel to the workplace.

"Unless that time is then taken as authorised leave, or unless the employer agrees that the employee can make up the hours or work from home, employees have no right to be paid," he remarked.

However, he said it would be "churlish and petty" for an employer to refuse to pay a staff member who is able and willing to work remotely.

"Struggling through snowdrifts to get to the office may not be in the employer's or the employee's best interests if work can effectively be carried out remotely," Mr Carmody explained.

His comments come as snow falls across many parts of the UK, with Scotland and northern areas affected and wintry conditions moving into the south.