A report by the Autonomy Institute warns that two-thirds of the UK work force could find themselves working in heat waves above 35C by the end of the decade
A new law should introduce a maximum workplace temperature to protect staff from extreme heat, new research demands.
A report by the Autonomy Institute says that two-thirds of the UK work force could find themselves working in heat waves above 35C by the end of the decade.
The organisation points out that despite record-breaking summers there is no law or official guidance for a maximum working temperature. It says around six million workers – especially in construction, agriculture and logistics – are already exposed to extreme heat.
It recommends ministers set a threshold of 27C working temperature for workers. This is in line with guidance from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) for those doing “strenuous work”.
The TUC has previously proposed a maximum temperature for indoor work of 30C while urging employers to attempt to reduce temperatures if they get above 24C.
Autonomy also says there should be a legal right to stop work during high heat periods and provisions in place for shelter and rest breaks for all workers.
Sarah Woolley, General Secretary of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union said the report is “a powerful call to action for real workplace protections against the growing threat of extreme heat”.
She added: “BFAWU members — from food production to frontline services — are among the most vulnerable, and it is unacceptable that in 2025, there are still no legal safeguards to shield them from dangerous temperatures.
“We back the call for a legally enforced maximum working temperature and a suite of protective measures to ensure every worker’s health and dignity are prioritised in a rapidly warming world.”
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak added: “Everyone deserves to be safe and comfortable at work. Setting a legal limit is a simple, common-sense step to protect people from dangerous conditions – especially as extreme temperatures become more frequent. It’s time the law caught up.”
The Health and Safety Executive’s website states: “There’s no law for maximum working temperature, or when it’s too hot to work, because every workplace is different. No meaningful upper limit can be imposed because in many indoor workplaces high temperatures are not seasonal but created by work activity, for example in bakeries or foundries.”
But it says employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including “keeping the temperature at a comfortable level” and “providing clean and fresh air”.
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