The UK is bracing for another heatwave starting this weekend, with temperatures expected to soar to 34C or higher. Amber heat health alerts have been issued for the east, South East, and South West of England, including London, from 12pm on Thursday until 8pm on Tuesday.
Many employees mistakenly believe there is a legal maximum temperature for workplaces in the UK, but in reality, there is no specific threshold considered “too hot” to work in. Nonetheless, it is the responsibility of employers to ensure the safety of their staff.
According to employment lawyer Natalie Peacock from Rogers and Norton, extreme heat is increasingly becoming a workplace concern nationwide. Employers are mandated to take reasonable measures to maintain a safe working environment, even if air conditioning is not compulsory.
During heatwaves, workers can anticipate practical actions from employers such as additional breaks, provisions for staying cool and hydrated, and risk assessments to address the impact of hot weather on the workforce. Employers should also consider factors like ventilation, shaded areas for outdoor workers, and amenities like free sun cream and fans.
In cases where employees struggle with the heat, they can request flexible hours or permission to work from home during the hottest times of the day. Employers are urged to make temporary adjustments to alleviate the effects of extreme heat, including offering flexible working hours or providing fans for home-based employees.