UK hit by heavy snow ; economic losses estimated to be $ 1.7 billion . Around 20 percent of workers failed to make it to work on Monday . Figure much higher in Europe , in England , where many businesses failed . Up to 100 firms could go bust because of the bad weather , analysts warn .
UK crippled by heavy snow ; economic cost estimated to reach $ 1.7 billion . Around 20 percent of employees failed to make it to work on Monday . Figure much higher in London , southeast England , where many businesses based . Up to 3,000 firms could go bust because of the bad weather , analysts warn .