UK Ministers Review Proposals for Maximum Workplace Temperature Limits

Labour ministers are considering proposals that would make it illegal for employees to work during extreme heat. The measures would require employers to allow staff to stop work when temperatures reach specified thresholds. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated that the government is acting to protect people from the impacts of climate change already being felt across the UK.

She said the government will carefully consider recommendations from the Climate Change Committee.

Health and Safety Executive guidelines set minimum temperatures of 16C for sedentary work and 13C for physically demanding roles. The guidelines, which date back to 1992, contain no upper temperature limit. The Health and Safety Executive is revising workplace condition guidelines but is not expected to impose a legal maximum temperature.

Trade unions have discussed adding a maximum temperature cut-off with HSE officials.

The Climate Change Committee report projects that summers will grow hotter, with temperatures in southern England potentially reaching 40C regularly by mid-century and 45C in extreme cases. Heatwaves are forecast to occur more frequently and last longer.

The committee urged ministers to set upper temperature thresholds for workplaces, arguing this would address risks to employee safety and encourage businesses to invest in cooling systems. Spain already operates a similar framework with caps at 27C for desk-based roles and 25C for lighter physical tasks.

Unite national health and safety officer Rob Miguel said outdoor workers must be covered by any new rules and that employees wearing protective equipment would require cooler environments. GMB senior organiser Lib Whitfield said a 25C maximum heat threshold is needed because sweltering heat can be dangerous for workers.

Unison assistant general secretary Jon Richards described workplace temperature limits as essential, stating that being too hot at work puts people's health at risk and leads to poorer performance and lower productivity.