Flexible hours for UAE employees during bad weather

Abu Dhabi - Mobile applications have been introduced federal departments for instance, allowing employees to notify their bosses about late arrival due to weather conditions.

A new law that allows flexible timings for employees during bad weather needs to be introduced, members of the Federal National Council (FNC) heard on Tuesday morning at the FNC headquarters in the Capital.

Hamad Ahmed Al Rahoumi, FNC member from Dubai, raised the issue to Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education and Chairman of Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, on introducing a new law that allows employees to have more flexible working hours during hazardous and foggy weather.

He pointed out that it's crucial to introduce the law as it looks out for the safety of employees in the UAE.

"There are countless reports of serious road accidents that took place during thick fog, especially when employees are commuting to work in the morning."

"Introducing a new law on regulating flexible work hours across the country is thus crucial, as it will help protect employees from crashes that may result from driving in foggy weather," he added.

Al Rahoumi noted that motorists often rush in the morning to arrive to work on time, thus a new regulation must be introduced, allowing workers to arrive two to three hours late during dangerous weather, helping avoid tragic road accidents and potentially save lives.

However, Al Hammadi highlighted that decisions on the raised question have already been implemented to create flexible working hours, yet people are still unaware.

He noted that mobile applications have been introduced to federal departments for instance, allowing employees to notify their bosses about late arrival due to weather conditions.

Also during the council session on Tuesday, a draft law of the establishment of Emirates Diplomatic Academy was passed, allowing for a complete an independent authority, as well as an independent budget.

The academy, which was established in 2014, aims to shape UAE's diplomatic future by providing a platform of academia, research, knowledge and multi-disciplinary skills to future diplomats who can serve the nation.

jasmine@khaleejtimes.com