Storm Lorenzo – HR Advice For Employers

• Status Orange – Wind warning for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick
  Southwesterly winds veering westerly will reach mean speeds 65 to 80km/h with gusts generally of 100 to 130km/h, higher in coastal regions.
  Storm surges will produce coastal flooding and damage.

         Valid: Thursday 03 October 2019 18:00 to Friday 04 October 2019 03:00

• Status Yellow – Wind warning for Ireland
  Southeasterly winds later veering southwesterly will reach mean speeds 50 to 65km/h with gusts to 100km/h resulting in some disruptive impacts.

          Valid: Thursday 03 October 2019 09:00 to Friday 04 October 2019 06:00

As we cannot predict the extent of the impact of this weather, it is important for each member to inform staff that they will monitor the situation carefully and update staff in relation to the same. As always staff safety should be your first priority.

STEP ONE: Getting Contact Details Ready
Today we advise that you have all employee contact details to hand, to be able to contact them with regards to weather and business updates on behalf of the company.

STEP TWO: Communication
As we cannot predict the extent of the impact of this weather, it is important for employers to inform staff that they will monitor it carefully and update staff in relation to same. You need to choose the most practical form of communication.

STEP THREE: Decision
In relation to payment of wages; there is no legal entitlement for an employee to be paid where they cannot attend work because of extreme weather conditions, unless the business is closed or you inform them not to attend work.

As an employer you have the following options:

• Give employees the option to work remotely/from home if such infrastructure is in place – they get paid as normal.
• The business remains open. If this is the case the company can give the employee an option to come into work or alternatively take a day’of unpaid leave if their route to work may be compromised.
• You make the executive decision to close the business. If this is the case the company needs to pay the employee for the hours they were rostered because employees are entitled to 1 months’ notice to take a designated holiday.

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