Rising temperatures are already having a devastating impact on British workplaces and schools. With summer heatwaves becoming increasingly frequent and severe, employers and educators are being urged to take immediate action to protect employees and pupils from extreme heat. As temperatures soar, experts warn that failing to act now could have long-term consequences for workers' health and children's education.
Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, stresses that employers are already legally required to provide a reasonable indoor workplace temperature and assess risks. However, she urges businesses not to wait for new legislation but instead take practical steps such as adjusting work schedules, providing shaded rest areas, offering free access to water, and relaxing dress codes. Wilkinson warns that extreme temperatures can significantly impair concentration and increase fatigue, raising the likelihood of accidents.
Christine Özden, Global Director of Climate Education at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, highlights the struggles faced by children in classrooms exceeding 40C. She argues that measures such as wet paper towels and ice pops are insufficient and calls for clear, practical, and detailed guidance for school leaders and teachers to combat extreme weather effectively.
Özden points to international examples of using natural vegetation to cool school spaces and protect academic attainment, suggesting that the UK's education system needs a more systematic approach. She warns that hotter summers threaten critical milestone moments in young people's lives and potentially jeopardise their right to education. The long-term implications are significant, with climate action plans required in schools by the Department for Education.
The debate over a statutory maximum workplace temperature continues in Parliament, championed by Green MP Hannah Spencer. However, experts underscore that workers and pupils require protection now, urging the Government to provide more robust support and guidance to help organisations adapt to the realities of a changing climate.