Cliona Kenny interview with 96FM regarding employee absence due to extreme weather events

Cliona Kenny, Partner of Comyn Kelleher Tobin spoke with P.J. Coogan on the Opinion Line on 96FM in Cork regarding employee absence due to extreme weather events.

Listen to the full interview here:

As outlined, there is no statutory framework within which absolute rules or rights are given to employees where they cannot attend work due to extreme weather events. With climate change it is possible that extreme weather events will become more frequent. In general there is no statutory entitlement for an employee to be paid if they cannot attend work because of extreme weather. However, employers have an obligation to consider the safety and welfare of their employees and we would always encourage employers to put in place a policy to set out how absence due to extreme weather events will be managed. Arrangements such as working from home, attending work on an alternative day or taking an annual leave day should be set out in a policy but in the absence of any such policy are matters for negotiation between the employer and employee.

In the event that either party is unreasonable, disciplinary action and/or complaints to the Workplace Relations Commission could be made in certain circumstances.

As in all matters in employment law we recommend that specialist advice is sought by the employer and/or employee in respect of policies, investigating complaints and dealing with complaints before the Workplace Relations Commission

For further information, please visit The Workplace Relations Commission