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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 9:16 pm
by matty brock
Just wondering what all youse do about paying the lads when you cant work due to the weather.
My lads are both employed and in the past we have always paid them for any days that we had off due to bad weather, which isnt many, you can count on one hand, you can usually always find something to do.
This spell we are having now is hitting me hard, it's not only me not working but Im also paying out for the lads.
Maybe they could make the hours back up that they are off by doing some Saturdays or a few hours after work when the nights draw out and the weather improves.
Appreciate any of your thoughts or if you know of any laws regarding this matter.
Nice one. 
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 9:51 pm
by irishpaving
One way is to put them on a very basic wage or split wage in conditions like this so it's a bit easier on your pocket but keeps them a float also.
I would always talk it out with the lads to see how they feel about the situation.
Good time if you need anything done at home with spare men available
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 9:54 pm
by lutonlagerlout
apparently tesco, asda, sainsburys, etc wont pay workers who cant get in because of snow
there is no legal precedent to pay people who cannot work due to the weather (AFAIK)
normally we would always pay people for the odd wet day or half day maybe 3-5 times per year
but with trades on £150 a day it would soon become a bottomless pit .
i reckon we have done 7 working days in since December the 8th,I know we had Xmas but there's no way you could pay 28 days holiday per year,then a fortnight on top because of snow
hopefully it will be another 30 years before the next lot like this
LLL
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:03 pm
by cookiewales
i used to do all the crap and free be jobs people were allways after sometimes you could say just pay the cost off the lads i remember when it rained for days on end we only got paid a small amount lutonlout will have the info you need am sure for up to date legals am sure the lads will understand if you explain hard times less money now more later in the summer when you can make hay am sure nearly all the guys on the brew cabin have been through this or they have been very lucky if the boys have any sence they will stick by you just be honest with them :;): :;):ah he beat me
Edited By cookiewales on 1262901924
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:09 pm
by Dave_L
A very tricky situation and made far worse with the hard economic times we are experiencing. As above, talk to them face to face and see what can be agreed upon.
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:09 pm
by matty brock
Thanks LLL, Irish, cookie & DaveL,
Yeh in the past I have always done jobs around my house if all else failed, but Im renting at the moment while my new house is built, so thats a non starter unfortunatly.
That makes me feel a bit better after hearing what youse have all said. Think I will have a chat with them and come to an arrangement with the money.
When you have got good lads you dont want to lose them, but they are sound and they know the bobby.
Nice one 
Edited By matty brock on 1262903081
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:20 pm
by Suggers
My missus works for local authority - anyone who can't get in 'cos of the snow, taken off "holiday" entitlement. (She's laughing, 'cos she'd taken this week as a holiday anyway...)
Same applies to my bruv - school music teacher.
Seems a bit harsh.
Just back from the "bilders pub" - general feeling is - "if I don't work I don't get paid...?" - that said, each geezer seems to have a different relationship & arrangement with the boss (of course).
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:30 pm
by baracuda
Sorry but got to comment got slagged off before on another post about giving the lads too little time off over christmas.
But if they are on paye give them the option to take holiday, if they have took there holiday then you have no legal right to pay them fsb legal web site as it is a ircumstance out of your control.If the lads are self employed then its up to them to find other work or other income not for you to provide it for them. its tuff being a boss but someone has to do it.
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:55 am
by GB_Groundworks
said on radio 2 today places like saisnbury's are offering staff opportunity to make up the hours so they aren't left skint. i've been off 4 weeks now no money coming in with xmas as well almost skint i'm going back on monday come hell or high snow. if i have to go in the tractor i'm going to work. got a job to finish that i had my accident on got to pour another strip footing for a wall, like 4m2 max. deciding whether to try and pour it, it insulate it and hope for the best. got tons of kingspan knocking around. its only a 450x400 footing. then i can draw down next 3.5k.
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:22 am
by Pablo
My lot are currently off with no pay but if it continues much longer then we'll have to start looking into them using their holidays. We'll start with losing some bank holidays then we'll eat into summer and easter breaks. Only been unable to work since wednesday but a couple of my guys are new starts and didn't have much time built up for christmas they have kids so it's gonna be tough for them. I'm happy to do subs and let them pay back weekly but that's not ideal when you're hand to mouth at times like this.
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 1:35 pm
by ilovesettsonmondays
we were sent home yesterday on full pay and told not to come back till monday for a decision whether to send us home again .on full pay 
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 4:19 pm
by rab1
technically you have to provide work for the lads, if they turn up on site and are unable to work = plumbs you have to pay them as they are at their place of work and are willing to work. As long as the lads are on site, sitting in a van/hut etc your fecked as an employer, you have to pay them.
people come and go, if you work for example LLL (sorry just picked you by chance) who do a lot of smaller works (not chasing million pound contracts) and work with the boys on a daily basis then there should be come and go.
we started back yesterday, toilets on site frozen and the young lads started the famous H/S we have to go home after 2hrs. re induction took 2.5 hrs so were only on site about 1 hr before the toilets were fixed. started complaining that their was no cantina selling hot food, really upset when i suggested the chippie 5min walk from the job. all you have to provide is access to hot running water, kettle and a place to warm food.
the older men on site started work and then went to the bookies/pub (for the toilet) and place a line etc as they know how to play the game.
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 4:23 pm
by seanandruby
sent home Thursday morning, got go back Monday to maybe get sent home again. All i get is £21 per day severe weather payment.
Have to travel 90 miles to qualify for that and we only get it for 5 days, after which we have to take our temp layoff letter to the nab for them to sort us out :laugh:
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 4:44 pm
by lutonlagerlout
spoke to the accountant today and legally it is at the employers discretion whether to pay for wet or snow time
as i said the odd day here and there you can swallow,but as a small business 3 weeks of this could send you under
its all money out at the moment, with no real work happening there's nothing coming in.
I have been taking down lathe and plaster ceilings,not the finest of work, but gets me active and out of the house.
just waiting for the gas bill to hit....
LLL
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 5:57 pm
by rab1
we`re putting 6 men on temp lay off come monday due to lack off work. should add that i`m an m/e contractor and genarally work inside. feel for you boys in this weather, load of crap in hard times that you could do without. Rab