Understanding Your Rights During Heat Waves in the UK
Is it too hot to work in England? Your rights as temperatures hit 34C in record-breaking May bank holiday heat

Image: The Sun
As temperatures in the UK reach 34°C, workers have rights regarding workplace heat. Employers must assess risks, ensuring temperatures remain reasonable, though no maximum limit is set. Employees can contact their employer or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if conditions are unsafe.
- 01UK regulations mandate a minimum indoor temperature of 16°C and 13°C for strenuous work, but lack a maximum limit.
- 02The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) considers heat a workplace hazard, obligating employers to manage it like any other risk.
- 03Employers are required to provide measures for cooling, such as air conditioning, fans, or cold water dispensers.
- 04Outdoor workers must receive protection from extreme weather, including heat, through appropriate clothing or shade.
- 05Employers are encouraged to adopt a relaxed dress code during hot weather to enhance comfort.
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With temperatures soaring to 34°C during the May bank holiday in the UK, many employees are concerned about their rights in the workplace. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require employers to assess workplace risks, including temperature, but there is no established maximum temperature limit. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognizes heat as a hazard, imposing legal obligations on employers to ensure a safe working environment. Workers can report unreasonable temperatures to their employer or the HSE. John Rowe, HSE’s deputy director, emphasized the importance of employers maintaining reasonable indoor temperatures and engaging with employees about working conditions. For outdoor laborers, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 mandate protective measures against adverse weather, including heat. Employers should provide cooling options such as air conditioning and encourage a relaxed dress code to help employees cope with the heat.
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Workers facing extreme heat may experience health risks, prompting the need for employers to ensure safe conditions.
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