Volcanic ash - how to deal with stranded employees

Not only has this caused a detrimental effect upon businesses due to the loss of key personnel, but it has raised a number of issues for employers with regards to absence, holiday and pay.

If an employee is unable to get to work due to a delayed flight, then it is not advisable for an employer to deduct pay as this could be deemed to be an unauthorised deduction of wages and give rise to potential claims in this regard.

Moreover, this course of action could have a significant impact on staff morale.

Instead, employees should be given the option of using either their annual leave entitlement to cover their extended absence, or be required to take unpaid leave.