Clarification has been issued for businesses on salaries after the recent heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures caused treacherous driving conditions and many people were unable to travel into work.

There may be more severe weather on the way and an increased number of employers are asking whether they have to pay employees for these absences, according to JLT Business Insurance Services.

JLT has linked up with HR, health and safety and payroll services provider Peopletime Ltd to put together some simple and effective advice.

JLT clarifies that businesses do not have to pay an employee if they are unable to travel to work unless their contract of employment states that they are entitled to pay under these conditions. The same applies to those who have to leave work early due to weather conditions.

An employee only has to be paid if they are willing and able to work. Therefore, if an employee turns up to work and the business is forced to close, they are entitled to payment.

JLT advises that businesses should ensure the employee has thought about all possible routes to work. If the roads are too dangerous, they may be able to get the train, bus or even walk.

Other options include taking unpaid leave, taking the day as paid annual leave or making up the lost time.

Mandy Perry, divisional managing director of JLT Business Insurance Services, said: “It may help to put in place a contingency plan in the event of staff not being able to get into the office. This will help minimise the impact unexpected adverse weather conditions have on your day-to-day operations.”

Employees who are unable to work because they have to look after a dependant, such as a parent who has to look after their child because of a school closure, are entitled to dependant care leave.

The entitlement is to provide them with what is considered a “reasonable amount” of paid leave. The employee must notify their employer of their reasons for not attending work and how long they expect to be absent to qualify.