Winter weather

After an unusually mild autumn, winter has well and truly arrived in some parts of the country. For many people, large bouts of snow are enjoyed with white Christmases and snowball fights. However, it can cause brain freeze for small businesses, concerned over how the business will continue with its workforce ‘snowed in’ and unable to get into work.

The HR Dept has some sound advice for small and medium sized businesses to keep difficulties to a minimum:

·         Have an adverse weather policy.

·         Learn lessons from last winter: decide what you will do differently.

·         Consider the health and safety of your workforce. If it is difficult to get in, you do not want a worker to injure themselves and blame you.

·         Remember - employees are not automatically entitled to wages if they are unable to get to work.

·         Encourage workers to make alternative arrangements for childcare if schools are closed or the child minder is unavailable. 

·         Be flexible where possible – have you considered home working for those who cannot get in?

·         Ensure all staff keep in regular contact with you if they are absent and make you aware of any deadlines that will not be met.

·         Where you believe workers are out playing in the snow when they could have come in, do not make rash decisions. Investigate and take advice.

Simon Morgan, Director of The HR Dept [South East London and North Kent] says “Snow and icy conditions have had a huge impact on small and medium sized businesses in recent harsh winters as smaller teams feel the absence of co-workers more than a larger employer. Being proactive rather than reactive can be the difference between a shut down and a smooth running operation during exceptional events”.

The HR Dept [South East London and North Kent] specialises in advising small and medium businesses on all employment and HR issues.

www.hrdept.co.uk