Care homes at risk
Care homes are struggling to protect vulnerable residents, with about 500,000 people living in residential care in the UK. Nadra Ahmed, chair of the National Care Association, said responsible homes have been preparing since March. Measures include fans, air conditioners, paddling pools, and ice lollies. However, a UK Health Security Agency review found that many care homes are ill-equipped, with deaths in nursing homes rising 34% during the 2022 heatwave, when temperatures exceeded 40C for the first time. A Climate Change Committee report last month concluded the sector is underprepared, proposing a target for all care homes to maintain indoor temperatures between 16C and 26C by 2040.
Schools closing
About 300 schools in Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Buckinghamshire are closing on Wednesday and Thursday due to extreme heat. Jo Rowley, deputy headteacher at Walton High School in Stafford, said the school lacks air conditioning and fans provide little relief. The Department for Education says schools should remain open, but Rowley noted that catering may be a pressure point. She added, “We’re dodging a few bullets, but I’m not sure how much longer we can keep dodging.”
Hospitals under strain
NHS infrastructure is ill-equipped for heatwaves, with poor ventilation and windows that do not fully open. About 90% of England’s hospital buildings are vulnerable to overheating, according to the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change. Ciarán Devane, chief executive of the NHS Alliance, said, “Years of underinvestment means much of the NHS estate is too dilapidated, outdated or ill equipped to deal well with heatwaves.” He urged the government to boost capital investment.
Restaurants and food merchants
Will Beckett, owner of Hawksmoor steak restaurants, said staff use wet flannels, frozen bandanas, and ice creams, but “we serve steaks or we close.” Juliane Caillouette Noble of the Sustainable Restaurant Association noted that some restaurants are closing at 3pm or stripping back menus. Joe Harrison of the National Market Traders Federation said spoilage will increase significantly for fruit, vegetable, and flower traders without refrigeration. Riverford, an organic delivery company, is making deliveries before 6am to avoid heat.
Zoos adapt
Zoos are using ice lollies, cooling mats, and misting systems to keep animals cool. David Gibson, CEO of Dartmoor Zoo, said Dragan the Amur tiger gets frozen enrichment. Hannah Windross of Bristol Zoological Society said all enclosures have shady spots. The society has stopped caring for penguins and now looks after cherry-crowned mangabeys better suited to warmer climates. Chris Wilkinson of Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm said lions enjoy ice lollies laced with blood from a local abattoir.
Transport workers face danger
Unite the union says heat is affecting drivers’ health, causing fatigue and diminished concentration. Many bus and train cabs lack working air conditioning. One bus driver said, “It’s 50-50 whether I get a bus with air con working.” Aslef, the train drivers’ union, found 85% of members reported feeling too hot in the cab, with some close to making mistakes like passing signals at danger. Unite has issued letters for workers to stop on safety grounds.
Construction workers at risk
Unite is calling for a maximum working temperature of 27C for strenuous jobs. Jason Poulter, Unite’s national officer, said, “When it gets to 35C-plus, people should be sent home.” Many builders continue working, like Emile, a decorator in central London, who said no adjustments have been made. Poulter warned, “Heat kills. There’s a risk of skin cancer, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.” He noted that workers on bogus self-employed contracts face financial detriment if they stop.
