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Consistency Needed on Ash Cloud Delays

The recent travel delays caused by the volcanic ash cloud over Europe has presented bosses with a dilemma over whether to pay staff who have been stranded abroad.

Many employers will have an absence policy which covers this type of unexpected event, which may require the employee to take it as unpaid leave, or as part of their holiday entitlement.

For companies that do not have a specific policy, it is important to treat everyone consistently. Given that the delays were not, strictly speaking, holidays, the legal position states that the time should be taken as unpaid leave but some employers may permit the time to be taken as holiday instead.

The ash cloud may now be clearing, but it showed the importance of firms being prepared for such unforeseen events. Depending on the nature of their work, it may be possible for some employees to work remotely, and that may be something some employers wish to plan for.

For others, putting a policy in place in advance will help prevent any confusion or ill-feeling if the worst does happen.