Derby staff affected by the ash cloud abroad may lose their wages

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Derby staff from all around the county that were left stranded by the volcanic ash cloud may not be paid for that period according to the employment lawyer, Rachel Mills, of Robinsons Solicitors.

She warned businesses are not obliged to pay employees trapped abroad by the closure of airspace caused by the volcanic ash cloud.

 “Unless there is provision in an employees' contract, firms do not have to pay absent workers”.

However, trade unions have advised businesses not to tie up absent workers' wages but to pay full entitlement.

Ms Mills said: "Employers may well decide to follow the trade unions' advice.

"Where an employer chooses for business reasons not to pay the employee for this time, a dialogue should be opened between the employer and the employee so that a flexible compromise is reached."