BUSINESSES are being encouraged to treat workers fairly when bad weather strikes Scotland, as it inevitably will this winter.

A new charter devised by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) is asking employers to treat workers fairly and be mindful of their safety if they can’t get to work during extreme weather.

Following the ‘beast from the east’ snow storm earlier this year, the Fair Work Charter for Severe Weather provides principles to help employers prepare for similar circumstances in the future. It sets out fair work practices – including the recommendation that all employers have a severe weather policy.

Economy and Fair Work Secretary Derek Mackay said: “During the extreme weather last winter, most employers made sensible and responsible decisions regarding their workers. While many businesses faced challenges, we were encouraged by the flexibility provided to staff.”

But, he said, some employers did not have policies in place for severe weather situations.

“This is why we have developed this charter, because fair work is good for workers, good for employers and good for Scotland.”

Grahame Smith, General Secretary of the STUC, said: “Our extreme weather survey revealed major concerns in many sectors. We were heartened by the efforts of workers to keep essential services operating, but also how they organised together within their unions to expose bad practice, including forcing workers to travel in dangerous conditions and denying pay to those who were unable to get into work.

“We are glad these guidelines encourage employers to engage with workers to develop clear, pro-active policies and procedures for future periods of extreme weather. We urge all employers to recognise trade unions and give adequate facility time to health and safety reps.

“Our survey clearly showed that trade union membership and collective bargaining is an important factor in determining how satisfied workers are with employer behaviour in difficult conditions.”