Canterbury Employer's Chamber of Commerce says people should not use snow as a reason to avoid going into work unless it puts their safety at risk.
Police in Christchurch told motorists to keep off the roads except for essential purposes this week.
[image:2770:half:right]Chamber chief executive Peter Townsend says work should be considered essential.
He says safety needs to come first but some people have overreacted to the danger of driving in the snow.
The Unite union says people should not be expected to take risks unless they work for vital or emergency services.
