No automatic entitlement to 'snow day', employees warned

Monday 26 February 2018

As islanders brace for sub-zero temperatures that could feel as low as a bone-chilling -11C, as well as potential flurries of snow, employees are being warned not to assume they are entitled to a ‘snow day’ this week.

As the ‘Beast from the East’ – a gust of frosty air headed from Russia – sweeps Jersey this week, Jersey’s Met Office has issued a ‘yellow’ snow alert.

The exact effect of the cold snap is currently unknown, but weather forecasters are currently predicting severe frost and scattered snow showers on Tuesday and Thursday. Temperatures are expected to drop to a low of -3C, but wind chill will mean that these feel between -4C and -11C. 

A line of snow showers has formed in the northern part of the Channel. We're expecting it to drift south, and we'll be keeping a close eye on it for tonight and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/3TcDuLhKkT

— Jersey Met (@Jersey_Met) 26 February 2018

Jersey Met Forecaster Joanna Chambers told Express: "A band of snow showers is already formed over the Channel, this will edge south to become slow-moving over the islands by midnight. Currently, it looks like it will be sat over Guernsey and Alderney. Jersey looks like it will be on the edge so we may not see anything. However, it will only take a small change and we could be affected."

Pictured: the band of snow approaching the Channel Islands (Jersey Met)

Accumulations are currently expected to be small, she added, at just 1mm or less.

Despite some islanders' concerns that the snow could reach 2013 levels, which saw schools closed for three days, they are being told that they should still “take all reasonable steps to get into work.”

Video: One islander captured the thick 2013 snow on camera. (YouTube/GJ0KYZ)

Law at Work Director Lorna Pestana explained: “Naturally, you should not take unnecessary risks, and individuals have to use their own judgment on whether it is safe to attempt to get to work. 

“Never just take a day off. You should contact your manager or another nominated person. After all, you are supposed to be at work, so if you are not, you must communicate with your employer. They will be able to confirm what arrangements then need to be put in place.”

Employees should also remember that taking a ‘snow day’ could lead to a deduction in holiday leave or unpaid leave, although an employer will have to seek their employee’s permission to be able to deduct money from wages. There is, however, often an option to work from home or make up for lost time at a later date.

Employers are also expected to prepare for ‘snow day’ and potential absences. “Employers should clearly communicate their expectations for when bad weather results in travel disruption. Many employers will do this through a travel disruption policy, or similar. Such a policy should outline what employees should do if they find that they cannot get into work, or where the sudden closure of schools results in parents struggling with caring responsibilities. Information may also be available in staff Handbooks or in Contracts of Employment.”

Pictured: Lorna Pestana, Director of Law At Work.

“Reasonable” employers, Ms Pestana added, will usually allow their staff to look after their children or dependents in an emergency. 

“The sudden closure of a school for parents with young children could be considered an emergency. Again, this will probably have to be taken as holiday pay, unpaid leave or made up at another time. Some employers do have emergency leave provisions for those with caring responsibilities, and it may be the case that having these policies will be helpful. 

“In conclusion, the golden rules are for employers to communicate their policies, for employees to make reasonable efforts to get into work and if it is not possible, to immediately contact their employer,” she said. 

With most of the island’s workforce based in town, the Parish of St Helier say they’re coordinating with the Department for Infrastructure and Honorary Police to ensure that as many of the Parish’s roads and pavements are kept snow and ice-free. 

Debra D’Orleans. Director of Municipal Services, commented: “Our truck-mounted salt spreader is prepared and ready to go, with teams working in shifts to cover the Parish roads. This will be supplemented with small teams clearing snow and salting pavements. We have placed several satellite snow stations throughout the Parish which are fully equipped with snow shovels, salt, gloves and buckets, and we are keeping an eye on the weather forecast and will be ready to go at any time.”