294 words, 2 minutes read time.
As the mercury climbs past 30°C this weekend—peaking at 32°C in some regions—Solidarity joins the PCS union and TUC in sounding the alarm: extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous. Yet UK law remains silent on an upper workplace temperature limit, leaving too many workers sweltering without sufficient legal protection.
What the Law Says (and Doesn’t):
– No statutory maximum temperature for workplaces exists.
– The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 oblige employers to maintain a “reasonable” temperature.
– “Reasonable” must factor in the type of work, worker vulnerabilities, and environmental conditions.
– Crucially: heat is a recognised workplace hazard. Employers must risk-assess it and act.
Risk Reality:
From sunstroke to skin cancer, exposure to high temperatures—especially outdoors—can be life-altering. Indoors, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even fainting aren’t rare in overheated buildings. Shockingly, while minimum temperature guidance exists, maximum thresholds do not.
Solidarity Demands:
The TUC’s push for legal reform is urgent and overdue. We stand behind proposals for:
– A legal maximum indoor temperature of 30°C (27°C for strenuous jobs),
– A duty for employers to actively reduce temperatures above 24°C,
– Mandatory provision of sunscreen, hydration, and cooling measures.
Practical Steps for Employers:
Here’s how to act now—not after the next heatwave:
– Supply cold water and allow frequent breaks.
– Permit flexible hours or remote working.
– Relax dress codes—ditch the ties.
– Provide shaded rest zones for outdoor teams.
– Invest in fans, ventilation, and long-term climate resilience.
– Listen to union reps and workers. We know our workplaces best.
Heat, Rights, and Resilience
Work should never compromise health—and rising temperatures demand rising standards. That means legislation that safeguards workers, responsive employers who listen, and union-driven workplace inspections.
Organise. Demand temperature justice. And, remember contact us if you need a cooler workplace.
By Pat Harrington
