Workplace Eruptions?
22 April 2010 – The closure of virtually all airports in North Western Europe has left many workers stranded abroad. Lancashire law firm Forbes Solicitors is warning that this is going to have significant implications on employees and the businesses they work for.
Many small businesses will have to make alternative arrangements in order to ensure that necessary work is completed. In the present economic climate many may struggle to meet the costs of paying staff overtime. Their inability to deliver under various contracts, as a result of absent staff, may also have long-term impacts on the viability of many businesses.
Peter Byrne, Head of Employment comments, “There is likely to be a significant impact for those employees who are stranded abroad. Employers are within their rights to insist that those individuals extend their holiday leave, using their own personal holiday allowance. If that personal allowance is exhausted, then employers are within their rights to insist that any additional leave, beyond a person’s holiday entitlement, will be unpaid.”
It is extremely important that the employer and employee communicate as soon as possible in order that an agreement can be reached as to how this is to be dealt with.
It is always best for employers to have policies in place dealing with absence, confirming that the employers are entitled to deduct pay, or force absence to be taken as unpaid leave, when workers take unauthorised absence.
A spokesman from the Federation of Small Businesses has indicated that the whole situation could cost businesses a lot of money and employers generally take the view that pay is given for work that is actually done. It is foreseen that Employment Tribunal claims may be issued further down the line unless firms have a clearly agreed policy documented in connection with such absence. For any further guidance, contact Peter Byrne at Forbes Solicitors Preston.
For Details, Contact:
Helen Gorrell, Practice Development Executive
Email: helen.gorrell@forbessolicitors.co.uk or
Direct Phone: 01254 222394
Or Andrea Stamp, Head of Practice Development
Email: andrea.stamp@forbessolicitors.co.uk or
Direct Phone: 01254 222392 – Mobile: 07976 244000
Forbes Solicitors
4 Wellington Street (St Johns)
Blackburn BB1 8DD
Notes to Editor
1) Forbes is one of the leading law firms in the North with 35 partners, 9 offices and more than 355 staff.
2) The firm prides itself on the high level of service that it offers its clients. All their solicitors are highly trained in specific areas of law and ensure that the clients’ needs are put first.
3) Forbes believes in friendly and straightforward legal advice.
4) Office locations include Blackburn (3), Accrington (2), Preston, Chorley, Leeds and Manchester
5) Forbes was named Corporate Law Firm of the Year at the Insider Magazine 2008, 2009 & 2010 Lancashire Dealmakers Awards.
6) The firm provides legal advice and representation to individuals in relation to:
Clinical Negligence, Family, Crime, Domestic Conveyancing, Financial Services, Personal Injury, Wills, Probate & Trusts.
And to businesses in relation to:
Business Law, Commercial Litigation, Commercial Property, Business Start-up services, Intellectual Property, Debt Collection, Employment, Health and Safety, Insurance, Social Housing, Business Crime and Public Sector.
