COUNTY council bosses have told staff who missed work because of the snow they MUST work extra hours or take the time off as holiday. This approach was against the advice of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which said snowed-in workers should not be force

COUNTY council bosses have told staff who missed work because of the snow they MUST work extra hours or take the time off as holiday.

This approach was against the advice of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which said snowed-in workers should not be forced to take time off if they have made every reasonable effort to get into work.

General secretary Brendan Barber said "Scrooge" employers who force employees to get into work could create resentment.

He said: "Scrooge bosses that dock pay and take away holiday will add to their business woes by creating resentment among staff.

"Workers who have been prevented from working through no fault of their own should not have to foot the bill for the bad weather conditions.

"We urge all employers to look after their staff during these adverse weather conditions."

He added: "For many, the bad weather and lack of public transport have made their commute impossible.

"Good employers will already have 'bad weather' policies so that those who are unable to work are still paid."

A county council spokesman defended the authority's decision and said: "People have been asked to do their best to get into work.

"If that is not possible, they should work from home and if they can not work from home they are asked to take annual or flexi leave and arrange that with their manager.