GO HOME: EU and unions give workers advice as temperatures soar to over 90F
EUROPEAN Union officials were told to go home early if it got too hot and to steer clear of alcohol as temperatures soar and while unions in Britain have called on firms to help employees cope with the heatwave.
Temperatures set to hit as high as 33C as hot weather continues
The Met Office has issued the second highest heatwave alert for all of Britain as the country endures extreme heat.
The level three amber heatwave warning is one behind a national emergency and has been issued from 9am Monday to 9am Thursday, as forecasters anticipate highs of 33C (91.4F).
In Brussels yesterday a memo told workers they could walk out the moment the temperature reached 30C as very hot conditions from France and Spain are pushed north.
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EU officials were advised to turn the lights off and keep windows closed in a bid to escape the heat
EU officials were advised to turn the lights off and keep windows closed in a bid to escape the heat.
The memo warned staff to lay off the wine and eat light meals and suggested staff ditch their usual suits and ties in favour of loose-fitting clothes.
On Monday the temperature reached 32C (91F) at RAF Northolt, west London with Britain set to bask in sunshine all week.
The TUC has called for bosses to help workers cope with the extreme temperatures saying cooling measures should be brought in if offices reach 24C.
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: “While many of us will welcome the sunshine and warm temperatures this week, working in sweltering conditions can be unbearable and dangerous.
“Employers can give their staff a break by relaxing dress code rules temporarily and ensuring staff doing outside work are protected.
“Obviously shorts and flip flops won't be the right attire for all workers, but no-one should be made to suffer unnecessarily in the heat for the sake of appearances.”
Heatwave - Commuters struggle with soaring temperatures during their commute
Commuters faced uncomfortable journeys home as the mercury soared
Sunbathers lie on the grass in Hyde Park, London
The TUC called on companies to supply workers with cool drinks and allow workers to take regular breaks.
Social and healthcare workers should ensure high-risk groups including the elderly, children and those with medical conditions, are kept cool and hydrated.
The rising mercury could also see Royal Ascot relax its strict dress code for the first time ever.
Racegoers could see temperatures hit 28C at the course in Berkshire.
Britain bakes in 90F sun as forecasters warn that it will get EVEN hotter
Royal Ascot is considering changing its dress code to help punters cope with the heatwave
A level three amber heatwave warning has been issued
An Ascot spokeswoman said: "It's being considered. We're waiting for confirmation. It's never happened before."
It is likely any change could include men and women being able to remove their jackets.
The dress code for men in the Royal Enclosure is black or grey morning dress with a waistcoat and tie - but not a cravat - and a black or grey top hat.
For women, strapless, off the shoulder, halter-neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap narrower than 1in (2.5cm) are banned in the exclusive area. Midriffs must be covered and fascinators are also forbidden.
The Met Office has issued the second highest heatwave alert for all of Britain
The TUC called on companies to supply workers with cool drinks
For the first time, jumpsuits are being permitted as suitable attire for women in the Royal Enclosure - but they must be full length to the ankle.
York Racecourse also relaxed its strict jacket for men rules at the weekend.
The NHS has issued advice and guidelines on the www.nhs.uk website to help people deal with the blazing sunshine.
NHS advice includes urging people to: "Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest, between 11am and 3pm."
It also said: "Keep rooms cool by using shades, have cool baths or showers and stay hydrated."
There have been reports of roads melting in the heat and Greater Manchester Police said a teenage boy drowned in a reservoir while swimming in Rochdale in the extreme heat.