Government’s Status Red warnings may hasten a rethink in Irish company employment practices

Storm Ophelia and the latest Storm Emma and associated snow fall along with the Government’s Status Red warnings may bring about a rethink in Irish company employment practices.

In terms of employee rights during storm conditions, according to employment law professionals, employers are not legally obliged to pay staff that do not turn up to work, even in cases where staff are physically unable to make the journey to the place of work. However, if the workplace itself closes, in those circumstances where employees are being prevented from working, then there is an entitlement to be paid unless there is an express provision in the contract for putting employees on short-term contract, for example on seasonal contracts.

Fleur O’Shea, associate in the employment law division at Byrne Wallace, said the new Status Red warnings raised new issues that firms will have to take into account in drawing up contracts and work policies that may help employers and employees avoid potential disputes.

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