The UK is set to experience temperatures up to 30°C over the bank holiday weekend, with forecasts suggesting parts of the country could be hotter than Greek holiday destinations. As the heat builds, the UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts covering much of the Midlands, eastern England, and south-east England. While there is no legal maximum workplace temperature, employers have a duty to protect workers with certain health conditions, potentially allowing them to work from home.
No Legal Maximum Temperature
Michelle Taylor, Health, Safety & Fire Service Director at Citation, explains: "There is currently no legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK. Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, a minimum working temperature is specified—16°C for most indoor work and 13°C for strenuous physical activity—but no equivalent upper limit exists. Despite this, employers are required to take reasonable steps to ensure workplaces are comfortable."
Legal Obligations for Employers
Employers must comply with several laws during a heatwave:
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: Temperature inside buildings must be "reasonable."
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Employers have a duty of care to ensure staff health and safety.
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: Risk assessments must be carried out for extreme heat.
- The Equality Act 2010: If a health condition qualifies as a disability, employers must make "reasonable adjustments," which can include working from home.
Health Conditions Affected by Heat
Conditions that may worsen in high temperatures include:
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions
- Asthma and COPD: Hot, humid air can trigger breathing difficulties.
- Heart conditions: Heat strains the cardiovascular system.
Autoimmune and Neurological Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Heat can cause temporary worsening of symptoms (Uhthoff's phenomenon).
- Lupus and Fibromyalgia: Heat triggers flare-ups and fatigue.
Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions
- Diabetes: Dehydration affects blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy and Mental Health
- Pregnancy: Employers must conduct specific risk assessments.
- Mental health conditions: Some medications interfere with temperature regulation.
What Employees Should Do
If you have a health condition and struggle in the heat, you can request a reasonable adjustment or temporary risk assessment:
- Get a note from your GP or specialist explaining how heat affects your condition.
- Formally ask your HR department or manager for an individual risk assessment.
- Propose working from home as a practical, temporary measure during the heatwave.
Under Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, workers can leave or refuse to attend if there is a "serious and imminent danger" to health, but this is a high bar and typically applies to severe heat exhaustion risks.
