Help, volcano, stuck in Europe

What I would like to know, what is the situation for stranded employees and their employers.

If you were stranded abroad, would any extra days away be counted as holidays?

My mate reckons it's not the employee's fault, so they shouldn't be counted as holidays.

I reckon it's not the employers fault, and the employees aren't able to work, so why should they be paid.

We agreed on the compromise they should be unpaid leave, but I wonder what the legal situation is.

It would depend on your contract.

I would endeavour to work remotely. Other people might strike some compromise with their boss. Might depend if it was a work trip or holiday they were away for. One of the guys at work is stuck in Kathmandu.. he'll be earning £0/day for his troubles because he can't actually work remotely.