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00:00Snowy conditions, dubbed the first taste of winter, have disrupted parts of the UK with train cancellations, road delays and severe weather warnings issued.
00:09With temperatures dropping and snow piling up, it raises an important question. When is it too cold to work? And should snow close workplaces?
00:18UK laws don't set a specific minimum temperature, but the Health and Safety Executive suggests 16 degrees Celsius for offices and 13 degrees Celsius for physically demanding jobs.
00:27Employers are also required to provide safe, comfortable working conditions.
00:32But what about snow days? Employers aren't legally required to close during snow, but they must ensure safety.
00:39If heating fails, roads are inaccessible or hazards are significant, they could be breaching health and safety laws if they stay open.
00:46If snow disrupts your commute, you're generally expected to notify your employer.
00:51They should be flexible, especially with severe transport delays or school closures affecting childcare.
00:55Remote working is often the easiest solution for office-based staff.
01:00Whether it's the cold or snow, employers have a duty to keep you safe.
01:05While the law provides only guidance, clear communication and flexible policies help everyone get through winter's challenges.