What HR needs to know about office temperatures this winter

Britons have woken up to heavy frost and freezing temperatures this week, with temperatures dipping as low as -10C in parts of the country.

After a shivery commute or a morning spent scraping ice off cars, coming into work to a freezing office isn’t pleasant and, if temperatures plummet too low, staff have the right to take a day off.

During the unrelenting British winter, employers are responsible for ensuring the thermometer is "reasonable" inside the workplace – falling no lower than 16C in offices.

The Associated Approved Code of Practice states if the mercury dips below 16C, employers must take action. The code allows the temperature to fall to 13C, depending on the nature of the workplace (i.e. if strenuous activity is carried out.)