UK heatwave prompts calls on employers for major change to working hours

Ahead of a UK heatwave, the TUC has advised workers should be offered supplies of cold drinks, as well as urging employers are being urged to allow for more flexible working

Brits brace themselves as temperatures are set to rocket beyond 30C this week, due to a rising area of high pressure sweeping across the UK. Employers are now being encouraged to loosen up on dress codes, offer more breaks and promote flexible working hours to help staff cope with the upcoming heatwave.

Ditching jackets and ties is recommended, while providing a steady flow of cold drinks has been suggested by the Trades Union Congress (TUC). The union body also recommends that employees should have options to start work earlier or finish later to avoid the sweltering rush hour travel conditions.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak commented: “Most of us will welcome the chance to enjoy some proper summer weather, but this weather isn’t much fun if you’re stuck in an overheated workplace.

“Indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day. Employers must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing.

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“With heatwaves becoming more common, we need to adapt. We need new laws on maximum working temperatures, improvements to workplaces to keep them cool, and climate action to reduce global heating.”

Rachel Suff, employee relations adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), added: “During periods of hot weather employers should take proactive steps to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of their staff.

“This includes offering flexible working arrangements where possible, for example allowing employees to work from home if they are more comfortable and productive there, or flexible working hours where roles can’t be done from home.

“Commuting can be arduous in very hot weather, so allowing people to stagger their start and finish times can help them to avoid peak hour travel.”

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As warm conditions continue, Britain will be hotter than 30C Honolulu, Hawaii, amid a 1,000 mile-wide “blowtorch” heat plume from the Mediterranean, the latest maps show.

The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: “The blowtorch is on the way. Forecast models show temperatures smashing the all-time 35.6C June record. There are astonishing heat signals.”

Met Office forecaster Tony Wisson said: “Temperatures in the low-30s are likely this weekend. Some forecast models even show temperatures to into the mid-30s by Monday, which is a lower-likelihood scenario.”