UNISON, one of the UK's largest trade unions, has issued a stark warning regarding the dangers of extreme heat in the workplace, calling for the government to introduce a legal maximum working temperature. The union argues that current health and safety regulations are inadequate to protect employees from the escalating risks posed by rising global temperatures and more frequent heatwaves.
Currently, UK law mandates a minimum working temperature of 16°C in most workplaces, or 13°C for those engaged in rigorous physical activity. However, there is no corresponding legal upper limit, leaving employers with broad discretion regarding working conditions during periods of hot weather. UNISON contends that this regulatory gap puts workers at risk of serious health issues, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which can have severe and even fatal consequences.
The union is urging employers to implement practical measures to mitigate the effects of heat, such as allowing flexible working patterns, providing access to plenty of cool drinking water, relaxing dress codes, and ensuring adequate ventilation or air conditioning where possible. They also advocate for employers to conduct regular risk assessments specifically addressing heat stress, particularly for those working outdoors or in environments prone to high temperatures, such as kitchens, laundries, or manufacturing plants.
UNISON’s call echoes previous campaigns by other trade unions, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which has long advocated for a legal maximum temperature of 27°C for non-manual work and 24°C for strenuous manual work. They argue that without clear legal guidance, many employers may not take sufficient action to protect their staff, particularly in sectors where low-paid workers may feel unable to challenge unsafe conditions.
The push for new legislation comes as the UK experiences increasingly hot summers, with record-breaking temperatures becoming more common. Public health bodies have frequently issued warnings about the impact of heat on vulnerable populations, but UNISON emphasises that workers across all sectors are also at risk. The union believes that a statutory maximum temperature would provide clarity for both employers and employees, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard health and wellbeing.