Do you have an employers winter checklist? With the clocks turning back a few weeks ago and the mornings and evenings getting darker, it seems an appropriate time to start thinking about an employer's obligations towards employees during winter.
Many people will remember the extreme weather conditions that the country suffered in the past and it is important that during any period of adverse weather an employer has thought ahead and has an understanding of what is needed in order for the business to continue and function as normal. To assist in this the following employers winter checklist might be helpful:
- Do you have an adverse weather policy in place to ensure that all employees understand the position of the company during any potentially disruptive weather and what is required of them as employees?
- How will you manage any requests for employees to collect children from school or nursery should these places be closed? Employers may give their employees the option of working from home.? If any employee is unable to travel to their place of work because of bad weather then this might be a more suitable alternative for the employer to ensure that business continues as normal.
- Have you thought about making use of social media to keep in contact with customers, suppliers and staff? With so many people using Facebook and Twitter as a means of communicating, businesses might use these, together with more traditional methods of communication to get in touch with people.
- Have you checked out the Scottish Government's Ready Scotland website? It is a useful source of information for both businesses and individuals.
