Volcanic Ash: trapped abroad and force majeure?

A friend is trapped abroad by the volcanic ash disaster and I was wondering if she could invoke force majeur measures with her employers?

Her annual leave is exhausted and she is in touch with her employers but is concerned if this continues for more than a few days.

Her employers are understanding up to a point and she is, at best, hoping for unpaid leave.

Whilst the current situation applies, no employer can instigate any diciplinary proceeding against anybody who is currently on holiday and who cannot return to work due to the no flight restriction.

Wonder if there's anyone who's on holiday but has said they are at home ill?

I would defiantly consider this force majeure.

Please keep this thread to discuss the implications for people who wont be able to turn up to work in the coming days.

Post travel questions in Overseas Travel,Holidays,Hotels & Airlines and generalised rants about AerLingus, Ryan Air, the god Vulcan etc in Letting Off Steam.

Thanks
aj

Husband's nephew stranded in Morocco. Holiday firm footing bills for hotel - half board. His boss is OK and has lined up a temp - just in case. He's having a ball - except for the double charge on mobiles