Record Heat Puts Workers at Risk
As temperatures in Britain soar past 40°C for the first time on record, workers across the country are struggling to cope with the extreme heat. From construction sites to delivery vans, many are facing unsafe working conditions without adequate legal protections. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called for an urgent review of workplace heat rules, noting that current regulations are outdated and insufficient for a rapidly warming climate.
No Legal Maximum Temperature
Unlike many other countries, Britain has no legal maximum working temperature. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) only recommends that employers maintain a 'reasonable' temperature, typically around 16°C for most workplaces. This leaves workers vulnerable during heatwaves. According to the TUC, over 1.5 million workers in the UK are exposed to extreme heat at work, with many lacking access to air conditioning or adequate cooling measures.
Construction Workers Bear the Brunt
On construction sites, workers are particularly exposed. One site supervisor in London told the Guardian, 'We've been given water and told to take breaks, but when the temperature hits 40°C, it's impossible to work safely. The concrete burns your hands, and the metal tools are too hot to touch.' Many workers report feeling dizzy and nauseous, with some collapsing from heat exhaustion.
Delivery Drivers in Hot Vans
Delivery drivers are also suffering. A courier working for a major delivery company said, 'My van has no air conditioning, and the temperature inside can reach 50°C. I'm sweating so much I can barely see. The company just says to drink water, but that's not enough.' The GMB union has warned that drivers are at risk of heatstroke and dehydration, and has called for mandatory cooling breaks and vehicle modifications.
Office Workers Not Immune
Even office workers are feeling the heat. Many buildings in Britain lack air conditioning, designed for a cooler climate. Employees in London offices reported temperatures exceeding 35°C, with some fainting at their desks. The British Council of Offices advises that productivity drops sharply above 25°C, yet many firms have not implemented heat policies.
Unions Demand Action
Unions are demanding that the government introduce a maximum working temperature of 30°C (or 27°C for strenuous work). The TUC's General Secretary said, 'It's unacceptable that in 2026, workers are still expected to toil in temperatures that would be illegal for animals. The government must act now to protect workers from the effects of climate change.' The call comes as Britain experiences its hottest summer on record, with temperatures expected to rise further in coming years.
Business Responses Vary
Some employers have taken steps to protect workers. In the retail sector, shops have installed portable air conditioning units and provided cold drinks. However, many small businesses struggle with the cost. A cafe owner in Manchester said, 'We've invested in fans and encourage staff to take breaks, but installing air conditioning would cost thousands we don't have.' The Federation of Small Businesses has called for government grants to help firms adapt.
Health Impacts Mount
The health impacts are mounting. The NHS has reported a surge in heat-related illnesses, with hundreds of workers seeking treatment for dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. A&E departments are under strain, with one doctor noting, 'We're seeing people who have collapsed at work, many of whom are young and fit. This is a public health emergency.'
Long-Term Adaptation Needed
Experts warn that as climate change accelerates, such heatwaves will become more frequent and intense. Professor John Smith, a climate scientist at the University of Oxford, said, 'Britain is not prepared for the heat. We need to redesign workplaces, update building regulations, and implement heat-health action plans. This is not a one-off event; it's the new normal.'
Government Under Pressure
The government is under pressure to act. The Prime Minister has pledged to review workplace heat rules, but critics say the response has been too slow. The opposition Labour Party has proposed a 'Heat at Work' bill, which would introduce a legal maximum temperature and require employers to provide cooling measures. The bill is expected to be debated in parliament next month.
