Rising temps | Heatwave sparks renewed calls for workplace protections

With the UK facing its first major heatwave of the summer, reaching temperatures as high as 30°C, calls are intensifying for employers to do more to protect staff from the risks of extreme heat.

Health and safety experts, legal professionals, unions and HR bodies are urging businesses to prioritise wellbeing, implement flexible working, and prepare for a future where such conditions may become the norm.

No legal upper limit on workplace temperature in the UK

Despite soaring temperatures and rising climate concerns, there remains no legal maximum working temperature in the UK. Under current laws, employers are only required to keep indoor workplaces at a “reasonable” temperature, as outlined in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Knowledge Portal

Puppy 'wuv' | How dog therapy became the 'Glastonbury' of wellbeing initiatives

Samantha Dickinson, partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter, explained: “While there is a minimum working temperature of 16 degrees, there is currently no maximum working temperature, as it is difficult to set an appropriate level for all types of business.”