The UK is set for the arrival of Storm Goretti in the coming days, which is set to unleash a barrage of powerful winds and heavy snowfall. The Met Office has put out amber and yellow alerts for certain regions, with Wales and parts of the Midlands predicted to bear the brunt of the snowfall.

The Met Office has also flagged up potential travel chaos due to the harsh weather conditions, spelling trouble for those hitting the road. In the meantime, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has sounded cold-weather health alarms for all corners of England, currently slated to stay in effect until 11 January.

The amber alerts from the UKHSA signal that the biting temperatures are likely to take a toll on the health and well-being of the public. With such frosty forecasts on the horizon, many might be questioning whether it will hamper their commute or ability to work in an office or other workplace.

Before determining whether the icy temperatures and severe weather will impact your capacity to work, it could be beneficial to get up to speed with the current guidelines across the nation.

GOV.UK guidance emphasises that there is no specific law stipulating the minimum or maximum temperatures for a workplace. As such, there are no definitive rules determining when it's too cold to work, irrespective of external weather conditions.

However, government advice does suggest a minimum temperature of 16C, or 13C if employees are performing physical tasks. While there isn't a legally mandated fixed temperature, health and safety regulations do require employers to maintain 'comfortable' temperatures and provide clean, fresh air.

Employees who feel their workplace temperature is uncomfortable are encouraged by the government to discuss this with their employer.

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As for those considering working from home, government guidance advises employees to always consult their employer before making such a decision. This is because your right to work from home due to travel disruptions caused by adverse weather may already be outlined in your contract.

In some instances, employers might request flexible workers to work from home or makeup time later due to disruptions. However, bear in mind that employers cannot enforce this unless it is already specified in the employment contract.

If your place of work is forced to close due to disruptions and you're not accustomed to working from home, employers are typically not permitted to deduct any pay. Instead, they may request employees to work from an alternate location or from home.

If severe weather conditions cause significant travel disruption, your employer might ask you to use your annual leave instead of attempting to commute to work, provided they give adequate notice. Government guidelines stipulate that this notice should be at least twice the duration of the proposed annual leave.

However, your employment contract may specify a different notice period, which would then take precedence. Full guidance on your rights in relation to travel disruptions and work can be found on GOV.UK here.