Volcanic ash - making a mountain out of a molehill?

We’ve heard of making a mountain out of a molehill... but when it comes to a volcanic mountain, we’ve made a right hash of it!

We are astounded at Renney & Co by the disruption caused by the volcanic eruptions so far away, and wonder who could have predicted that Icelandic volcanic ash could have caused such a huge disruption to UK businesses ?

A number of Renney & Co’s clients have been asking us whether they will have to pay their staff for days when they are unable to work because they could not get a flight home. Well, technically it is the employee’s responsibility to get into work, so there is no automatic entitlement to be paid during such an absence. However, many employers are choosing to take a more flexible approach either by paying their staff full or part wages, or agreeing to treat some of the absence as paid annual leave. 

Employers faced similar problems in January when staff could not get into work due to the icy conditions, and who knows what other disruptions might be around the corner?

This is a good time for companies to check their terms and conditions and see what provisions they have in place where they cannot fulfil their obligations, for example due to force majeure, the weather, an Act of God, or even terrorism.

Employers might also want to check their staff handbooks and policies and consider whether they might benefit from a “no fault” absence policy.

At Renney & co we can help you with this to minimise your financial losses in the event of another disruption so why not get in contact with us?