Severe Or Adverse Weather

Alternative arrangements for disrupted work

Communication should be maintained during the normal course of the working day to allow for alternative arrangements to be discussed, this may include:

• if public transport is still operating, then it should be considered, even if the journey to work may take slightly longer than usual • that it would also be appropriate (health, mobility and safety of roads and paths permitting) to walk a reasonable distance either to work or to the nearest public transport. Although individual levels of fitness and mobility and prevailing weather conditions could alter this • to advise employees that the school has re-opened and they are required to attend work • the possibility to travel to work a little later than usual is acceptable, if the travel disruption or weather is expected to improve, this may be agreed on the day with your Line Manager • to undertake alternative duties that can still be carried out, this may include PPA time, or preparation for

Ofsted or other duties that form part of your normal contract etc. • to undertake work in an alternative location

Dependents school closures and other unexpected issues

In an emergency situation relating to adverse weather and or travel disruption involving a dependent, anyone with employee status has the right to take unpaid time off under the time off for dependants’ legislation.

Situations could include: • their school is closed and emergency childcare needs to be arranged • caring arrangements for a disabled relative are cancelled • a partner is seriously injured as a result of bad weather.

An employee should talk to their schools as soon as they know that they may need to take time off, explaining: • exactly what the issue is • the likely length of the absence • that they are taking the time off to look after dependants.

In any of these instances, please also refer to the special leave guidance Time off for family and dependant’s policy for newly TUPEd colleagues.