How hot is too hot to work under UK law as temperatures soar

Summer has arrived!

Weather warnings have been issued for swathes of the country, with an amber heat-health alert in place for the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, the South East, and London.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a yellow alert for the North East, North West, South West, Yorkshire and Humber regions.

The alerts began on Friday, and are due to last until 17.00 BST on Wednesday.

It's anticipated that Monday, 25 May, will see the UK experience its hottest May day ever on record.

What are the rules on working in hot temperatures in the UK?

However while some readers may rejoice at the higher temperatures, it could pose some problems for anyone working over the next few weeks.

For commuters in London, for example, many of its features aren't equipped for warm weather, including several Underground lines.

Additionally, some of the capital's historic buildings and offices weren't built to stay cool and don't have the best circulation when temperatures rise.

So, it's safe to say you can count your blessings if you work in one of the city's more modern buildings.

Nonetheless, not all hope is lost if you don't, as bosses need to be mindful of office temperatures according to the Workplace Regulations set out in 1992.

Those regulations state that employers must legally provide a workplace with a "reasonable" temperature and good ventilation.

However, there is no minimum temperature or temperature limit for workplaces, meaning employers rather rely on recommendations than actual law.

According to the Approved Code of Practice, the lowest recommended temperature is 16ºC, or 13ºC when it's physical work, but there's no such guidance for other lines of work.

For that reason, it's more up to what your boss considers a "reasonable" workplace temperature.

Government considering rules on workplace temperatures

Although there are no current laws on workplace temperatures, Labour are reportedly considering making it illegal to work when it's too warm.

A new report from the climate change committee (CCC) recommended introducing maximum workplace temperatures, amid the risks of climate change to the UK.

The CCC's report said that by 2050, summer in the UK is predicted to be 'significantly warmer', with temperatures of 40C or even 45C expected to be seen in southern areas of the country.

“Maximum working temperature regulations would address the increasing risks that high temperatures pose to workers’ safety and incentivise the deployment of the necessary cooling," the report said.

"Businesses are largely responsible for investing in their own adaptations but must ensure that workplaces and working practices are safe for employees, including for those working outside.”

The CCC highlighted Spain as an example of a country with legal limits on temperature in the workplace.

Employers in Spain are responsible for meeting the requirement of 27C for sedentary work and 25C for light physical work, and if they fail to do so then employees can report them.

However, the workplace regulator Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are expected to stop short of introducing a legal maximum limit, in their development for plans of protections during hot weather.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the government will “carefully consider” the CCC's recommendations.

“We are acting to protect people and places from the impacts of climate change that are already being felt across the UK – from flooding to extreme heat and drought.

“Robust, independent science is essential and we will carefully consider the climate change committee’s latest recommendations to drive further action.”