Prospect has written to Vodafone about the company's policy towards employees who have had problems travelling to work in the recent severe weather conditions.

Members who were prevented from attending due to cancelled public transport services and dangerous conditions on the roads have contacted Prospect to say that Vodafone is recording their absence as annual leave.

Prospect takes the view that making employees take annual leave should not be Vodafone's default action in these circumstances, especially as it could lead to people undertaking journeys that pose unnecessary risk to themselves and others in an attempt to conserve their leave allowance for the year. Given the strong likelihood of further snowfalls this winter, this is a serious matter that is pertinent to Vodafone's duty of care to employees.

The union has proposed to Vodafone that the company should adopt a policy on the consequences of extreme weather events that would clarify Vodafone's expectations of, and commitment to, its employees. You can view our letter to Vodafone by clicking on the link to the right of this page.

As a Prospect member, you can be sure that the union is here to give advice on issues at work and to represent employees' interests in Vodafone, as we have in this case and on the proposal to close the defined benefits pension scheme. We offer practical solutions to real problems - so make sure your colleagues know that they could benefit from joining Connect too. New members can join at http://www.connect.prospect.org/join - and you can claim a £10 voucher for each one you recruit.

If you have any questions about this communication please contact Ben Bellamy e:[email protected] t:07710 741656.