Snow Joke

Brrr, it’s chilly outside! It’s almost impossible NOT to say this when we arrive in the office at the moment.

But on the rare occasions we get proper dumps of snow in the UK, suddenly there are a few laws that can catch us unawares. Here are a few:

Clearing snow and ice at home.

No law explicitly bans you from clearing snow and ice from your property or from public paths to make them safer. BUT it is illegal to move snow or ice from your own premises onto a public space or highway. Despite this, you’re unlikely to be sued if someone slips and falls outside your house.

Driving

If you’re planning on driving, the Highway Code says you must, by law, be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle and it’s a legal requirement to have a clear view of the road ahead before you set off.

Snow on your car roof? You risk a hefty fine if it slips down and blocks your view. You also need to clear snow off your number plate or risk a £1,000 fine.

Employment laws when you’re snowed in.

Can’t reach the office through the snow?

Your rights around this largely come down to what’s in your employment contract. But, if your office itself is closed because of the weather, your employers can’t usually deduct your pay.

Is the office too cold? Your workplace does have a legal responsibility to be safe, but there’s no legal minimum temperature an office has to be.

Been asked to clear some snow at the office? It’s best to avoid this. It’s likely to be the responsibility of the building management and many workplace safety rules come into play.

Is your child off school because it’s a snow day?

Employers have to be reasonable and flexible in allowing you to take emergency time off to look after your child in such situations. Snow days may count as an emergency situation.

So there you have it. Are you a fan of the snow?