Nicola Maine, Director of Marketing, said: "As weather forecasters warn that severe weather conditions may cause travel chaos this evening, Investors in People is urging employers to encourage their staff to leave at least on time, or early to help avoid the mayhem.

"With predictions of severe weather leading to travel chaos, we would urge employers to be flexible and allow employees to leave work early, if necessary.

"In reality, we are probably only talking about one or two hours but this could make a massive difference to people's Friday night. We know that employers who recognise the needs of their employees and offer staff greater flexibility win in the long run with increased staff motivation and loyalty.

"Employers who don't recognise this may find the frosty atmosphere spilling into the workplace this evening."

Stakeholder Response: Age Concern

Gordon Lishman, director general of charity Age Concern, said: "Winter is a treacherous time for many older people.  Every year, more than 20,000 older people across England and Wales die during the colder months.

"The persistent cold  will be alarming for older people who are already finding it difficult to keep warm and stay active.

"Older people should not put their health at risk by economising on their heating during the cold snap.

"I advise elderly people to wrap up warm in several thin layers, keep active, eat a hot breakfast and keep at least one room well heated, plus contact their local Age Concern to discover benefits, like heating allowances, available to them."

Stakeholder Response: Highways Agency

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "All road users are asked to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they set out, and if the weather is bad, drivers are advised to delay their journey if possible until conditions improve."