Volcanic ash cloud: employment issues caused by disruptions to flights

Disruptions to flights as a result of volcanic ash mean that many employees are unable to return from holiday and get to work. We provide advice for employers faced with this novel situation. 

Most employers' experience to date of employees being unable to get to work due to circumstances outside their control is likely to be limited to domestic travel disruptions (train and bus strikes) and inclement weather (snowbound employees). However, the same employment law principles apply to employees who have been left stranded abroad by the volcanic ash affecting UK airspace. 

Meanwhile, some employers may find themselves in the position of having no work for their employees to carry out, particularly if they have a direct connection with the airline industry, in which case the question of lay-offs will arise. 

• Volcanic ash: seven things employers should be doing We provide a checklist for employers on the employment issues raised by the cloud of volcanic ash. 
• Employers not obliged to pay staff stranded by volcano, say lawyers Employers are under no legal obligation to pay staff who are stranded because of the travel chaos caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland, lawyers have confirmed. 
• Iceland volcano - the impact on business Guidance on the Acas website for organisations affected by the volcanic ash. 

Also

Severe weather and disruptions to public transport policy Use this model policy to set out how employers should manage employees who face difficulties attending their place of work during periods of severe weather or when there are disruptions to transport. 

How to deal with employment issues caused by severe weather or disruptions to public transport We provide practical guidance to organisations whose employees are unable to attend work because of poor weather or transport disruptions. 

How to implement a lay-off or short-time working We provide practical guidance on using lay-offs and short-time working to handle temporary work shortages and adverse trading conditions. 

Useful FAQs include:
Is an employer required to pay employees who arrive late or do not arrive at all due to disruptions to public transport?
Can an employer require its employees to take holiday at a particular time?