The UK has seen temperatures soar this week - but how hot does it have to get before you can legally stop working?

We've already had a record-breaking day when the mercury soared to 40C on July 19 2022 - the hottest day ever recorded.

But what happens if you get too hot to work?

During times of scorching weather, the TUC workers' union has urged bosses to allow flexible working and relaxed dress codes to help staff.

Workers should also be allowed to take frequent breaks to help them keep cool, it recommends.

Children can't be kept in school above a legal maximum temperature (
Image:
Getty)

There's a recommended minimum temperature for a workplace, although it isn't set in law - 16C, or 13C if employees are doing physical work - but things get a bit messier when it comes to a maximum.

There actually isn't a law for maximum working temperatures. However, during working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be "reasonable".

The TUC wants to make it illegal to keep people at work indoors if the temperature is above 30°C and protection in place for people working outside or driving for a living, too.

Sadly, that's not happened yet – but the good news is that there are rules that can let you leave an office that's too hot, just no official maximum temperature.

“An employer must provide a working environment which is, as far as is reasonably practical, safe and without risks to health. In addition, employers have to assess risks and introduce any necessary prevention or control measures,” the TUC explains.

The TUC wants employers to let staff leave if the temperature in a workplace gets too high (
Image:
PA)

So over to the Health and Safety Executive, who provide the regulatory framework for work place health and safety in Britain, to explain what to do if things get uncomfortable.

“A meaningful maximum figure cannot be given due to the high temperatures found in, for example, glass works or foundries,” HSE explains.

“The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 lay down particular requirements for most aspects of the working environment. Regulation 7 deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that:

"During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.

“However, the application of the regulation depends on the nature of the workplace, such as a bakery, a cold store, an office, a warehouse.”

Employers also have to provide “clean, fresh air” as well as keep temperatures at a comfortable level.

When can you complain?

The good news is that, because there's no official limit, you can get action taken whatever the temperature as long as people think it's uncomfortable.

“If a significant number of employees are complaining about thermal discomfort, your employer should carry out a risk assessment, and act on the results of that assessment,” the HSE explains.

If you're a more vulnerable employee – for example, have a thyroid imbalance or are undergoing the menopause, or need to wear protective equipment at work so can't take off layers - that also has to be taken into account.

So the answer is simple – if you're uncomfortable, tell your boss. If enough people do then they have to act.

You can see more information here.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “While many of us love to see the sun, it’s no fun working in a baking office or a stifling factory. Bosses should do all they can to keep the temperature down.

“The easiest way for staff to keep cool inside is being able to work in more casual clothing. While shorts and vest tops may not be appropriate for all, nobody should be made to suffer in the heat for the sake of keeping up appearances.

“It's in bosses’ interests to provide a cool and comfortable work environment. Workers who are unable to dress down in lighter clothing, or who work in offices without air-conditioning, fans or drinking water, are going to be tired, and lack inspiration and creativity.”

Read More

Read More