Bird & Bird and Panonne have both advised clients that staff who can't get into the office as a result of flight cancellations should not be paid.

Bird & Bird associate James Froud, in People Management Magazine, suggested an initial a couple of days grace for those stuck overseas. But added that employers should then start talking about "authorised but unpaid leave". Meanwhile Panonne partner Jim Lister took a straightforward position - "if an employee fails to turn up for work the employer is under no obligation to pay them". So it's just tough luck to anyone spending days trying to get across Europe by bus.

Luckily the firm hasn't been as hard on its own staff with a spokeswoman confirming that those affected had been "allowed to take more paid leave", thus allowing them to enjoy a relaxing holiday in an airport departure lounge.

A great way to spend a holiday

Lister accepted that having pay docked for being stuck abroad was likely to seriously annoy staff. Would a law firm follow that advice? Click here to send in your volcano stories.

Meanwhile, in South Africa the flight cancellations have caused a serious crisis at law firm Edward Nathan Sonneberg. Partners are unable to enjoy salmon for lunch:

From: Restaurant Manager Sent: 21st April 2010 Subject: Scottish Salmon Shortage dear all   so i'm sure by now we all know/have heard about the effects of the icelandic volcano and the major disruption of flights into and out of europe.   so how does this affect us as ensers and why is this mail coming from the restaurant??   well you may or may not know that the salmon we use in both kitchens - JHB and CPT - for our restaurant meals is from loch duart in scotland - the first salmon producer to be awarded the rspca welfare food award for its sustainable, low volume farming methods. and of course being in scotland, which is close to iceland, which has an erupting volcano, which is affecting europe.....   we are unable to get any fresh salmon for the foreseeable future.   we will of course keep you posted and let you know when you can expect to see fresh scottish salmon on the menu again   we apologise for any inconvenience caused   regards your restaurant team