UK businesses have resisted widespread calls to establish a legal maximum temperature for workplaces, despite intensifying concerns over employee welfare as a significant heatwave deepens across the nation. This stance comes as three prominent trade unions announced that more than 1,000 workers have committed to staging a walkout on what is anticipated to be the hottest day of the year, with Met Office forecasts indicating temperatures could soar to 39C.
The current legal framework in the UK mandates employers to maintain a 'reasonable' temperature within the workplace, but crucially, it does not specify an upper limit. While there is a recommended minimum temperature of 16C for most workplaces, or 13C for those involving rigorous physical effort, the absence of a maximum threshold has led to increasing pressure from unions and health and safety advocates during periods of extreme heat.
Met Office data indicates that temperatures are set to rise significantly across the UK. In England, particularly the South East, temperatures could reach 39C. Wales and Northern Ireland are also expected to experience highs in the low to mid-30s, with Scotland seeing temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s. These elevated temperatures, coupled with high humidity, pose risks such as heat stress, dehydration, and reduced concentration for those working in non-air-conditioned environments.
Unions argue that without a clear legal maximum, employers may not take adequate measures to protect workers from the dangers of excessive heat. Practical safety advice for employers includes providing access to cool water, allowing more frequent breaks, relaxing dress codes, and encouraging the use of fans or air conditioning where possible. For individuals, staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day are crucial.
The planned walkout underscores the growing frustration among workers regarding workplace conditions during heatwaves. This industrial action highlights a fundamental disagreement between employee representatives and business organisations on what constitutes a safe working environment when the mercury climbs to extreme levels. The debate is likely to intensify as climate change leads to more frequent and severe heat events across the UK.
Source: Met Office, Trade Unions