With no end in sight to the volcanic ash problem which has paralysed travel to and from the UK and most of Europe, hundreds of thousands of workers remain stranded around the world.

It could take many more days – perhaps weeks – for some of them to get home. The situation is creating a staff-shortage crisis for some employers.

And many of those workers stuck abroad could face having their pay docked if they reach the limit of their annual holiday allowance, according to legal experts.

Chris Syder, head of employment law firm Davies Arnold Cooper, told the Daily Telegraph: “In the case where employees are abroad on personal business, such as a holiday, employers are within their rights to insist leave is extended using a person’s annual allowance or that leave is unpaid, effectively reducing pay.

“The most important thing for those who are stuck is to contact their employer as soon as possible in order to come to an agreement.”

Meanwhile, Acas has issued guidance for affected individuals and businesses.

To keep difficulties to a minimum Acas advises:
* Keeping lines of communication open and agreeing a regular method of staying in touch with your employer;
* Making full use of flexible working arrangements when dealing with workloads including maximising use of information technology;
* Making sure you are aware of your own workplace procedures.

If you are a business you will also need to think about:
* Ensuring you deal with issues fairly and that any measures are carried out according to proper and fair procedure;
* Considering your staffing levels and how to cope with extra staff absences;
* Considering the impact on customers and whether they are arriving in the usual numbers at the usual time;
* Planning ahead for the long term – this might also be a good time to plan how to handle emergency situations in future.

Source : Recruitment Today.

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