Heading to work in red storm warning

[jocktamsonsbairn]

Dd has to work in a well known UK high st sportswear store tomorrow at the height of the storm. We are on the Atlantic coast of Scotland, all schools, council offices and all non essential places are closed. Had a warning to phones saying not to travel, leave roads open for emergency vehicles etc.
Manager has asked head office to close, told no. Only 2 shops in the shopping centre are open this one and one other. Why they F are they making their staff go in when the police /government etc are saying to stay at home. What come back does she have if she says no, it's too dangerous? A tribunal? It's a permanent contract but a temporary job for her. She will need a reference and has always proved herself, never called in sick etc. I've told her not to go in as her life is worth more than selling a pair of trainers to whichever idiot goes shopping g tomorrow. All public transport cancelled so unlikely to be busy.
Any help needed to convince a teenager that sometimes you need to listen to yer mammy??

If you have occasions where the sea comes up over the road then with the tide times tomorrow it probably won't be so much of a problem in the morning (low tide around 8am) but she might struggle to get home as the tide will still be pretty high at 5/6pm. If there's a storm surge then it'll be extra tricky on floodable roads.

Thank you so much! Just had a message saying the major supermarkets in our areas are coding, but they are still selling trainers??? Wtf?

I did lose a job when I refused to come in during very heavy snow when I was pregnant. Was really heavy snow to the extent the previous day the car park was completely covered and impassable the previous day. Honestly it was shit but I am a strong believer in a job being a job and I owe my employer nothing more than what they pay me for now. And they don’t pay me to risk my life. They don’t pay me to invalidate my insurance driving in a red warning. And they do pay me to worry my family sick. There are other jobs.

I’m someone that believes everywhere should have stayed open during Covid but I think it’s wrong that your daughter’s employer is expecting her to turn up for work tomorrow.

She's covered by that legislation even if she has less than two years service. So potentially she could take them to an Employment Tribunal if dismissed for not coming in during a Red Weather alert etc.

Be sure to emphasise that she isn't going in for Health and Safety reasons.

People get hurt/die in these storm's, what happens if she gets in but can't get home due to blocked roads etc.
Honestly some retail management are absolute fuckwits when it comes to making important decisions regarding staff safety.
It's all about keeping head office happy.

Surely the shopping centre won't be insured to open during a red warning? Also her employers insurance... will it include opening during red weather event?

In her shoes, I'd refuse to go in and when she applies for other jobs she can explain reference issues at interview. If it's an employer known to be dodgy as fuck, at least.

It might be worth her looking at joining a trade union too longer term. She doesn't have to tell the employer and she can pay by direct debit. Most of them have reduced rates for young people.
For example.https://www.unitetheunion.org/what-we-do/unite-in-your-region/scotland

Love your username. My dad used that phrase all through my childhood.

my union emailed everyone today reminding us of the legislation as mentioned up thread and that they are advising everyone to take precautions to stay safe and they will support all against any pushback.

“ just following government advice to stay home due to the danger to life weather warning… so I won’t be in today.
Plus I’d like to keep an eye on my property for potential damage.”

She may not get paid but it’s just a job at the end of the day. It’s not as important as staying alive.

What numpties run these places?
No buses or trains, most other shops closed. Schools are closed. Limited support at the GP surgery ( emergencies only) if they open at all. Who’s going to go shopping for trainers in a storm ?🙄
Do they not realise there will be zero customers?

I’d call in and say that she tried to leave to go to work but got turned back by the Police.

We had a red weather warning in the south west early December, don’t go out in it. Not worth it at all! We had massive and I mean MASSIVE trees blow down here. Who would even be going out shopping anyway??

USDAW is the Union for shop staff. It could be worth ringing them. I would really advise her to ring in sick. There is a lot of flu going round so she can just say I am very sorry but I don't want to pass the flu onto anyone who works there. I live in a different area but I gave my full support to DH who did just the same when faced with the same situation. By tomorrow it could be a different story. Nobody in the area will want to be in a shopping centre or high street. If the police say Do not travel she could also put rescue people at risk. I am sure all the people sending messages want you and your family to be safe. You need to be together. Is her job worth risking her life. Please tell even people who do not know her are worried. I hope she stays home.

Thank you everyone! I will tell her to join the union that's a great idea and might help - strength in numbers. Woken at 0530 by the wind so there is absolutely no way she's is driving in that especially if this is just the start!! I will hide her car keys if I have to and tell her boss to phone me if there is an issue.

Aw thank you!! It's a phrase I remember well from my childhood too!!

I would call the shopping centre themselves and asked about whether they are open or closed. They may force closure by being closed overal

Absolutely disgusting that they are staying open and putting employees at risk. There won't be any customers anyway.

The job is not worth it. Good idea on hiding her keys.

Joining a union won’t help her with this issue, but may give advice.

Anyone ignoring the red warnings are really putting their life at risk.

Name and shame this greedy company OP, they deserve it.

It's sports direct..it was named up thread.

i am sure they wont sack her for not coming in on this occasion