Managing Staff and Pay During Adverse Weather in Canterbury
Practical guidance for businesses navigating snow, high winds, flooding, and other extreme weather events
With recent high winds, snow in some areas, and the ongoing possibility of flooding or heat disruptions across Canterbury, many businesses have faced sudden operational challenges. When adverse weather events occur, health and safety must always come first. Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the workplace is safe. This may mean closing a worksite, delaying opening hours, or allowing employees to work from home where possible.
Weather-related disruptions can also raise tricky questions about pay and leave entitlements. Whether an employee is paid for time not worked will depend on their employment agreement and workplace policy. In general, if an employee is ready, willing, and able to work but cannot because the employer cannot provide work (for reasons beyond the employee’s control), the employee should be paid — unless their agreement provides otherwise.
It’s also important to take a practical and people-focused approach. Employees may face road closures, power outages, or caring responsibilities that prevent them from working safely or at all. If the situation isn’t covered in existing policies, employers and employees should discuss options in good faith to find a fair solution.
These may include:
- Working from home
- Using annual leave or annual leave in advance
- Special leave
- Sick leave (including caring for dependants, if needed)
- Leave without pay
- Taking alternate days
- Time in lieu or wage advances
Any arrangements reached should be confirmed in writing to avoid later confusion and ensure consistency across your workforce.
By planning ahead and communicating clearly, employers can help reduce uncertainty, maintain trust, and support both business continuity and employee wellbeing during unexpected disruptions.
For further guidance, contact our HR Advice Line on 0800 50 50 96 or email hradvice@businesscanterbury.co.nz.
