Just had a phonecall from a teacher stranded abroad due to the volcanic ash closing airspace.

She rang the school and was told that if she didn't turn up for work on Monday morning when term started, she would not get paid.

Now I don´t know about you, but to me that seems a tad unreasonable . . .

If you´re in Dubai, are you supposed to come home by camel?

If you´re in Barbados, is it breast-stroke or crawl that you´re supposed to use?

Now it is certainly the employee´s responsibility to make him or herself available for work on the employer´s premises.  And I certainly believe that you should try alternate means, but since Radio 5 this morning was warning people not to go to channel ports unless they had a definite booking, that may not even be easy from Europe where at least there is land and thus buses, trains and hire cars.

If you are stranded, I suggest that you get proof of trying and failing to get back to the UK, if this affects you, so that you can where necessary protest against any unreasonable withholding of pay.

Best wishes, wherever you are.

 Good post Theo. I'm not affected by this but feel sorry for those who are. I find it unbeleivable that schools would deduct pay if a teacher is genuinely stranded. Not only that but imagine the cost of your extra hotel bills, food etc.

I was also shocked to hear Eurotunnel had put its price up from £69 to £179 and claims this is NOT profiteering! Well, just what is it then? A full train is a full train at £69 or £179.

Let's hope common sense prevails.

 I think this is absolutely disgusting. These people didn't choose to be stranded!

It would be EXTREMELY harsh to dock people's pay for not being able to fly home! Those poor people will be having to pay for extra food, extra accommodation, extra travel costs (if they have to get alternative transport home - and are lucky enough to be able to!) I wonder if their costs will be covered on their travel insurance, those that have it?

I know that my HOD was holidaying in Italy during the 2nd week, and the news I've read this morning has said that planes are grounded until at least Sunday, so that's her most likely not getting back in time for Monday. Monday is an INSET day at my school, so it would be a bit harsh to force unpaid leave when we're only expected to be in for a half-day anyway. My headteacher is generally quite understanding when it comes to emergency situations involving people needing time of for their children, or in case of a bereavement, so hopefully he'll be as understanding this time.

I wonder how many people will try it one though: "I took a last minute trip to France and now we're stranded...the ferries are all full...etc", meanwhile, in their back garden with a martini....