To think that if the schools are closed, then it's not safe for adults to go to work either?

[TooImmature2BMum]

I live in the middle of nowhere in Midlothian. Was up at 7 wondering whether to try to go to work in Edinburgh. Radio, annoyingly, said "Edinburgh Council has just called to advise all staff not to try to travel today", and then 10 minutes later read out a retraction, saying "sorry, not all staff, just all school staff". How come it's not safe for kids or teachers but the rest of us are supposed to soldier in? Decided to stay off anyway after calling work at 8 to learn that only 2 people were in on the whole floor.

Obviously I don't know how bad the snow is near you but last year the school where I teach closed because our insurance didn't cover us re ice / snow on playground etc, and because the council decided to close so they could re-direct the grit we could have used to could keep major roads clear. Could be private firms don't have this problem.

because kids are kids and you have responsibilities

Because its better if kids are at home than stranded at school if the weather gets worse. You are a grown up so can look after yourself, presumably.

So basically saying that teachers don't need to travel, but other council employees do? No, not right, but that sounds like ECC. What did they expect parents to do, if they'd closed the schools?

What about parents with young primary aged children who work, they can't be left home alone.

If most of the kids make it in but only half the teachers do ( kids generally live nearer the school than the teachers) then the staff/pupil ratio will be compromised?

Also rush hour commuter traffic will be alot less for you workers all coming in and going home...... A silver lining for you maybe?!?

True about less commuter traffic, but I heard from one colleague who took 3 hours to get to work due to the weather (although she lives in North Berwick and works in Edinburgh), and whose husband was still stuck outside her office trying to get away again after driving her there!

Oh well, it is one day in the whole year (so far) and DH doesn't feel guilty one bit - it's just me! Am trying to work from home but wasn't prepared to so might end up taking unpaid leave instead, as there's not much I can do.

Fine to close the schools to the children - but not acceptable to have one rule for one set of employees and another for the rest. All staff to travel, or none.

I work in Midlothian but live in Fife and felt so guilty about deciding not to risk the drive in. Called to discover only one person made it into the office and the rest of them all live in Mid and East Lothian or Edinburgh so I don't feel so bad now. I think since the police are advising not to travel then YANBU to stay home.

I agree with you. At times like this the roads should be kept as clear as possible for those people that have no choice but to go to work, like medical personel and police. Of course their lives and health is just as important, but if their journeys are made easier by other less crucial people being on the road, then so be it.

I like the way the police say to travel "only if it's urgent". I never know if work is urgent or not! World will not end if I'm not there, don't work in any sort of live-saving job, so surely it is not urgent...but then I feel guilty. Can't win! Besides, am 6 months pregnant so if car gets stuck I can't help push it.

Maisie, I agree with you - one rule for all!

majority of our roads have been deemed passable with extreme care only, some snow gates are closed and others are only open to 4x4's according to local travel reports.