BRITAIN is bracing for a terrifying 40C “heat-dome” this week, which has triggered a rare Red Weather warning across the nation.
With temperatures set to smash the historic June record set in Hampshire in 1976, the Met Office has warned of a genuine “danger to life.”
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Raich Keene enjoys an early morning dip to cool off ahead of a forecast red warning heatwave in Doddiscombsleigh, Devon Credit: Alamy
Tuesday’s (June 23) hot weather will follow widespread thunderstorms across the South of England Credit: Alamy
Scores of schools have announced last minute closures or early finishes to protect pupils from the baking conditions – and many more could follow.
But while kids might be cheering the unexpected time off, millions of hard-working parents have been plunged into a childcare nightmare.
The Department for Education says it doesn’t normally advise closures, but headteachers are taking no chances.
So, if your child’s school suddenly shuts its doors and you’re left unable to find childcare, where do you stand with your boss?
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Can I legally take last minute time off work?
Yes. If your child’s school or nursery shuts at the last minute due to the extreme heat, you are legally protected.
Under UK law, all employees have a statutory right to Time Off for Dependants.
This is a “day-one” right, so it doesn’t matter if you’ve been at your job for 10 years or 10 minutes, you’re legally entitled to walk out and take care of your kids.
It allows you to take a “reasonable” amount of time off to deal with an unexpected emergency involving your children.
And a sudden school closure because the buildings cannot be cooled safely absolutely counts as an emergency.
Usually, this gives you one or two days to scramble and sort out alternative care.
Will I get paid for it?
From a legal standpoint, your employer does not have to pay you for Time Off for Dependants.
Unless your company handbook has a generous clause for paid family emergency leave, any time you take off to look after the kids will be completely unpaid.
The extreme heat forecast for the UK is being caused by a ‘heat dome’ that has already brought soaring temperatures to mainland Europe Credit: AFP
What are my options?
If you can’t afford to take a hit to your paycheck, you need to act fast, but there are a few moves at your disposal.
You can ask your boss to use your paid annual leave. You will get full pay, but it will cost you a precious holiday day.
If you have a laptop job, ask to work from home – though remember, juggling work while keeping the kids hydrated in 40C heat is no easy task.
You could also ask your boss if you can make up the lost hours later in the week or swap shifts with a colleague.
If you find yourself completely stuck, call your boss immediately.
Most employers will try to be flexible during a national heat emergency, just don’t expect a free paid holiday.
