02/12/2010 - Snow causes widespread travel chaos
Millions of people have failed to get to work as the cold snap tightens its grip on the UK, causing widespread travel disruptions.
Due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, commuters are suffering travel chaos in most parts of the country.
The severe weather is affecting the country's economy, as workers are either arriving to the office late or not at all due to the cold spell.
This is bad news for businesses, particularly at a time when firms are gearing up for the busy festive period.
A study by employment law firm Peninsula showed almost two out of five workers failed to get to work due to suspended train services and iced-up roads.
Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula, said: "Snowfall was the major issue yesterday, but the big problem for businesses today is the icy conditions left behind. Public transport such as buses and trains have been hit with major cancellations making it almost impossible for some workers to get into work this morning."
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "In many parts of the country the advice from the police is not to travel unless journeys are absolutely necessary. Workers everywhere have been braving the snow and ice to get into work, but where the weather makes someone's usual commute unsafe, or where working parents find themselves with children but with no childcare, a more sensible approach is needed."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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