The video will start in 8 Cancel

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A council plans to reward staff who turn up for work during severe weather.

North Lanarkshire Council will give employees time off in lieu on top of their normal pay if they ignore Met Office red warnings to stay at home.

The Scottish Government says employers should not offer incentives for staff to attend in bad weather.

But the local authority insists dedicated staff deserve to be rewarded.

North Lanarkshire unveiled its severe weather policy in the wake of the Beast from the East

conditions which paralysed Scotland two years ago.

(Image: PA)

In a report to councillors, Fiona Whittaker, North Lanarkshire’s head of people, said all staff will be paid in full when there is a red weather warning – whether they turn up or not.

She added: “It has now been proposed that any worker who attends work during a red weather

warning will, in addition, be granted a corresponding period of time off in lieu.”

A red warning highlights a “very likely risk to life,

substantial disruption to travel and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure”.

The Met Office advises against travelling where possible in such conditions.

East Lothian Council last year warned staff they should save up holidays in case of severe weather. Its workers had pay docked for absence but protests led to councillors ordering a U-turn.