As the UK enjoys the warmest start to May on record, with temperatures reaching 28C in Kew Gardens, many people will be busy battling to stay cool while in the workplace
With bright blue skies and soaring temperatures across many parts of the UK, the Met Office has officially declared today as the hottest day of the year so far. With the temperature at Kew Gardens reaching 28C, the figure marks the warmest start to May on record for the UK.
“With the temperature at Kew Gardens reaching 28C and still climbing, it is now officially the warmest start to May on record for the UK. The previous May 1st record high temperature was 27.4C at Lossiemouth in Scotland in 1990,” the Met Office wrote on X.
Although hotter weather might be a source of joy for many, some will be attempting to stay cool in the workplace and wondering just what their rights are if things get too hot.
Although warmer temperatures might feel uncomfortable, because every workplace is different, there is no law regarding a maximum working temperature.
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That being said, The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) means that employers are required to provide a “reasonable indoor temperature” in the workplace.
If extreme temperatures are forecast, they should then make plans to ensure employees are safe and comfortable, conduct health and safety risk assessments and address any identified risks.
According to the TUC : “An employer must provide a working environment which is, as far as is reasonably practical, safe and without risks to health. In addition, employers have to assess risks and introduce any necessary prevention or control measures.”
Things you can do in the heat
- If you feel uncomfortable in the heat, you can work with your employer to take action, such as:
- Being able to remove layers of clothing
- Using a fan to increase ventilation
- Using window blinds to keep the sun out
- Working away from direct sunlight
- Taking regular breaks to cool down
What your employer can do
As well as assessing the risks, employers should talk to workers about how they’re feeling, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states.
If you are an employee, you can talk to your employer about potential improvements, such as:
- Ensuring that windows can be opened or closed
- Having flexible hours to avoid high temperatures
- Relaxing any formal dress codes in place
- Providing more regular rest breaks and free access to cool drinking water
Ultimately, if you’re feeling uncomfortable in the heat, you should let your manager know. If enough other people do the same, they are obliged to take action.
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