The Met Office has forecast a colder than average December and hinted at the possibility of a white Christmas.

Last week, the temperature dropped to -3C in south west Hertfordshire, with other parts of the country experiencing lows of -9C.

Commutes to work are getting trickier as time has to be spent de-icing cars and people have to walk slowly to train stations, to avoid slipping on the icy pavements.

So how cold does the office have to be before you can avoid the dreaded commute and get the day off work?

Watford Observer:

The Parade covered in snow

How cold is too cold?

Employers must ensure the thermometer is “reasonable” inside the workplace.

According to the Workplace Regulations, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: “Employers are obliged to assess risk to health and safety and act where necessary - (i.e. if the workplace drops below the minimum guideline or if it is felt the temperature is too high).”

In the office, the mercury should fall no lower than 16C. If the temperature falls below this, employers need to act upon it. In workplaces where strenuous activity is carried out, the temperature can drop to 13C but there is no upper limit when temperatures begin to rise during summer.

What are your rights?

Employees are entitled to regular breaks and the chance to have a hot drink, according to guidelines.

Employers are also told to provide additional heating should it get too cold and to try and reduce draughts where possible.

Bosses are also told to offer flexible working patterns or job rotations to help minimise the effects of the cold.