Severe weather policies

A severe weather charter jointly developed by the Scottish government and Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), A fair work charter for severe weather, sets out guiding principles to support employers and workers to plan for and manage the impact of severe weather.

It followed a nationwide STUC survey to gauge employers’ responses to unusually extreme weather. This found more than 50% of respondents saying they were required to go to work as normal, and 70% saying they travelled during a red weather alert. The research revealed unfair practices including penalties for not completing contractual obligations, being compelled to travel under threats of discipline, not being released from work until it was too dangerous to travel and public transport had been cancelled, and lack of clarity on contractual pay arrangements.

The new charter can be found, together with links to TUC and other guidance on severe weather policies is available on the Scottish government website..

The TUC and several unions have also developed guidance on flooding. The TUC guide, Health and safety in the aftermath of flooding — advice for union health and safety representatives is available on the TUC website.