Green MP Hannah Spencer is introducing a bill in parliament that would pave the way for a maximum workplace temperature in the UK, as the country faces increasingly frequent heatwaves. The former plumber, elected in the Gorton and Denton byelection in February, argues that tradespeople and other workers are subjected to unsafe conditions.
Bill details and support
If passed, the legislation would create an independent body to recommend maximum safe workplace temperatures and outline implementation guidelines. The bill is expected to receive cross-party support, including from Labour MPs Rebecca Long-Bailey, Alex Sobel, and Nadia Whittome, as well as Graham Leadbitter (SNP), Liz Saville Roberts (Plaid Cymru), and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn.
Unions such as Unison and the Trade Union Congress have called for a maximum indoor work temperature of 30°C, or 27°C for strenuous work. Currently, UK health and safety guidance only covers minimum workplace temperatures, with no legal maximum.
Spencer's personal experience
Spencer, who worked as a plumber, highlighted the unfair conditions: “From bus and train drivers sweltering in cabins hotter than outside, bakers working in over 40°C, to builders with no respite from the heat, the government has a duty to protect us.” She noted a constituent who laid tarmac on roads in “unbearable” temperatures.
She called the lack of maximum temperature guidance “absurd” and urged action: “We’ve seen absolute chaos from recent temperatures, with massive human cost, yet no government response.” She pointed to Spain, where maximum temperatures are set by work type and hours can be adjusted during heatwaves.
Government stance and climate context
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has argued that maximum temperatures cannot be imposed because heat can stem from workplace activities like bakery ovens. However, in May, the Climate Change Committee recommended setting maximum temperature regulations to address risks to workers. The government announced the HSE would launch a public consultation this year on updating guidance, potentially including temperature thresholds.
This year, temperatures have exceeded 34°C nine times, breaking the previous record of seven such days in 1976 and 2020. There have been six separate days of 35°C or higher for the first time. Forecasters say the scorching conditions in England and Wales will last until at least Wednesday.
