The current tube strike is causing absolute mayhem in the City of London rippling out across the access the underground in order to return home after a long working day. The strike is set to continue it seems with more days planned next week. In the South West the miles of floods is preventing employees getting to work. So what can employers do when employees travel is disrupted?
For employees who are able to work from home it might be prudent for an employer to sanction this until the disruptive circumstances have disappeared. Technology these days makes home working ideal due the internet, telephone and web conferencing.
An employer needs to be flexible. Implementing flexible working with staggered working hours could allow an employee to eventually get into work and complete the working day. Also there may be employees who could cover who those who can not make it into work.
Staff should be encouraged to attend work wherever possible with a suggestion that they begin their journeys early to minimise any lateness. If an employee has been affected by a school closure the time off for dependents’ legislation will allow them to take a couple of days off unpaid.
Employees do not necessarily get paid if they can not make it into work. An employer can ask them to take holiday with appropriate notice. There needs to be clear contractual clauses which cover such a situation. If the premises needs to be closed by the employer, it is an implied term of the contract that an employer will provide work and if they are unable to due to closure the employee should be compensated otherwise the employer is in breach of contract.
It is important to plan ahead for any possible disruption with a business continuity plan that includes HR management. Employment contracts and employee handbooks should include all rights in relation to travel disruption.