Pillar Kincardine Policy  -   Adverse Weather  -  Adopted 11 August 2009  

Adverse Weather

From time to time we experience adverse weather conditions in Aberdeenshire.  In the main this manifests itself as severe snow storms.  It is therefore prudent to agree in advance what is acceptable practice under such circumstances.

Staff

Staff unable to get to work because of exceptional weather should phone the office and the Service Manager on the number provided.  Staff will be paid for the first day of such absence.  Thereafter staff will be required to take TOIL or annual leave.

In some situations employees may be able to make advance arrangements with the Service Manager to work at home if this is feasible and appropriate.

Should weather deteriorate during working hours the Service Manager may allow staff to leave early in order to travel home safely.  Staff will not incur a loss of pay in these circumstances.

Services

Services will be cancelled when a "Severe Weather Warning" has been issued for the area where the service would normally take place.  Services may also need to be cancelled when staff are unable to travel to the area due to adverse weather conditions.

Should weather conditions deteriorate to the extent where staff and/or members are becoming concerned about their ability to travel home a session may be cut short to allow staff and members to do this safely.

The decision to cancel or cut short a session will be made by the Service Manager.

Communication

Where severe weather conditions are likely, members will be asked to call staff mobile numbers to check whether a particular session is to go ahead.  Where possible a message will also be left on the office answer service to inform members of the current situation.

Pillar Kincardine Policy  -   Adverse Weather  -  Adopted 11 August 2009