Power cut worried

[TheJinxMinx]

Hi all power cut today in my area. Multiple outages since storm Friday and electricity company say they are working on loads of outages and could be anytime up until 3rd February. I know other local people have had no electric for 3 days already so in some was im greatful only just affected wasn't expecting it. My issue is im worried about work. I work from home speaking to customers and obviously need electric and internet. Where do I stand with my employer part of me is worried they won't even believe me. I live in a small village total outage nearest town is 30 mins away and I dont drive but also couldn't use the likes of their library as confidential calls. On top of this I have a 4 yr old no hot water heat, torches or cooking facilities. I also have no family who can help only one available also has power cuts. So yes where do I stand with my employer I really don't know what to do will they say I need to try and travel to their offices 1.5 hours away I couldn't based on my childcare and lack of transport hence my working from home contract. Trying to use my mobile data currently but even that cuts in and out and I lose signal completly

I'm not sure if there is a legal position on this but in my experience it depends on the employer. If they ask you to come into the office just explain that you can't and see what they suggest. They might allow you take it as annual leave or unpaid leave.

Your energy supplier should be contacted and there is an allowance for food etc. Also can book somewhere to stay and claim back. Our local council are opening up some community centres for heat/food etc. Hopefully your employer is i
understanding.

You’ve got a lot going on at once. Just dealing with the job side of your post:

Had you previously agreed with your employer that while working from home you’d also be providing be providing childcare? If not I’d keep very quiet about that part.

Or do you mean that the extra 3hr commute would be impossible due to lack of childcare during those commuting hours? If so they may suggest you get in for shorter hours than usual, which would work? Lack of transport isn’t an excuse unless public transport isn’t running.

Otherwise you have nothing to worry about. You can’t help temporarily having no electricity due to a major storm. If they need proof you can send them the correspondence from your power company.

And when this is all over you need to get yourself some power cut supplies. Torches, battery powered or rechargeable lamps, candles, matches etc.

Also, if your landline only works when the broadband is on and the mobile signal is cutting in and out, I'd suggest you email your employer now. If the mobile signal goes completely you'll have no way of contacting them.