As Britain swelters through its latest heatwave, with temperatures in some areas soaring above 40C, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has thrown his weight behind calls for a maximum workplace temperature limit. The move comes as the UK struggles to cope with increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves that have caused thousands of school closures, transport breakdowns, and critical strain on hospital services.
The June heatwave alone was linked to an estimated 440 deaths per day during its peak three-day period, highlighting the serious public health implications. The capital has been particularly hard hit, with temperatures in some workplaces reportedly exceeding 40C - a situation that has prompted trade unions like Unison and the Trades Union Congress to campaign for a limit of 30C for general work and 27C for strenuous tasks.
Health and safety guidance currently only exists for minimum workplace temperatures, despite the escalating summer heat attributed to climate change. The Climate Change Committee, an advisory body to the Government, has recommended maximum workplace temperature regulations in order to safeguard workers' safety and incentivise the deployment of cooling solutions.
Green Party MP Hannah Spencer is set to introduce a bill that would pave the way for a workplace heat limit, further adding to the parliamentary momentum. While Mr Khan's support is welcome, it remains to be seen whether the Government will take action - although the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced plans for a public consultation on workplace health and safety this year, including temperature thresholds.
A spokesperson for Mr Khan confirmed his backing of the maximum workplace temperature limit, stating that extreme heat is becoming a 'growing reality' for Londoners. Initiatives have been launched to help the city adapt to more frequent and intense heatwaves, but it remains unclear whether these will be enough to mitigate the effects of the UK's increasingly hot summers.