With much of Britain firmly in winter's icy grip, getting to work can be quite a challenge.
Snow and ice - and with increasing frequency, deep floodwater - make for hazardous driving conditions and can bring public transport to a standstill.
Whatever your industry sectors, you'll have staffing contingency plans in place for when the weather turns bitterly cold or wet. But while your employees know what's expected of them - and what's not - do your apprentices?
Younger apprentices are often new to the world of work so might not know what to do if their buses and trains are delayed or cancelled. Should they brave the weather and walk to work - or should they perhaps do what they can from home or take a day's leave if that's practically possible?
Learners can be apprehensive about picking up the phone and asking for help, while some might fear a 'telling off' if they're late or can't come in to work or college as usual.
Keeping apprentices in the loop
To avoid causing them worry and anxiety if the weather turns bad, plan well ahead. Ask HR to provide your apprentices with clear advice about cold weather working right from their first day.
Even if your learners join you in spring or summer, they'll be with you for at least 12 months so could easily be affected by challenging weather conditions at some stage.
Use your buddying or mentor scheme to keep apprentices in the loop. Your learners may feel more comfortable reaching out to them for advice rather than you or your HR manager.
Duty of care
When contacting your apprentice online during a cold snap, make sure you copy in their college or other training provider so they're fully aware of what's been decided workwise. As an employer you have a legal duty of care to all your employees, but younger members of the team will need that bit of extra support.
For more general information on keeping young workers and apprentices safe at work, visit the Health and Safety Executive's website.
There are also useful tips on MoneyHelper and the ACAS website.