Hospitality employers have been warned many workers will us today’s horrendous weather in some parts of the UK as an excuse to bunk off work.

A You Gov poll predicts as many as 8% of workers will be no shows due to the weather.

The survey of 1,198 workers across all employment sectors found 9% of men would use the weather as an excuse not to turn up for work and 6% of women.

Employees in Scotland are most likely to use bad weather as an excuse (12%) while just 5% of employees in London would do the same.

Employment consultancy Croner, who commissioned the survey, said that the resultant drop in productivity from staff absences would have a “significant impact” on team performance and staff moral.

Jo Pitts, employment advisor at Croner, said: “Employees should thoroughly read through contracts (or adverse weather policies if there is one already in place) and obey the terms and conditions of this for when bad weather arrives.

“Failure to do so could result in serious disciplinary action if employees are found to be taking advantage and making it a regular occurrence.”

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By Christopher Walton

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