Storm Éowyn has hit the UK, with a red weather warning in place across Central Scotland from 10am-5pm. It’s already seen trains and flights cancelled, schools and shops closed, and people have been warned to stay at home and not travel. In Ireland a record wind speed of 114mph was recorded and an unprecedented number of homes are without power.

A red weather warning is the most serious alert issued by the UK’s Met Office, signifying a high likelihood of severe disruption and risk to life. While such warnings are an official recommendation to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, they do not automatically entitle employees to time off work.