UK 25C maximum workplace temperature law update as unions blast conditions

A fresh campaign has been launched calling for new legislation to prohibit anyone from being required to work in temperatures exceeding 25C. The petition, posted on the parliamentary website, urges the UK Government to establish a legal limit on how hot conditions must become before workers are no longer obliged to continue their duties.

The UK is currently sweltering in record-breaking temperatures that could climb beyond 38C, as extreme heat warnings and health alerts have been issued across the country. According to the Met Office, the scorching conditions could persist until at least Friday, triggering weather warnings and raising concerns for vulnerable individuals.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has cautioned that significant pressures on health and social care services are to be expected, along with an increase in deaths, particularly amongst those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions.

Despite repeated heatwaves and growing concerns over workplace wellbeing, there is currently no statutory maximum working temperature in Britain.

Under UK health and safety regulations, employers are required to ensure that workplace temperatures remain "reasonable" during working hours. However, the legislation fails to set a specific threshold at which employees are automatically entitled to down tools and leave their place of work.

A new petition on the Parliament website calls on the government to: "Introduce a legally binding maximum working temperature of 25°C for all workplaces, covering both indoor and outdoor jobs. Currently, there is an advisory minimum temperature in statutory guidance but no upper limit. We want the Government to change this by introducing a strict 25°C maximum cap.

"Currently, there is statutory guidance on a minimum working temperature but there is no legal maximum cap, leaving staff vulnerable to extreme heat We want the Government to set a strict limit of 25°C for both indoor and outdoor work. When temperatures hit 25°C, employers must legally provide cooling measures or pause work. The law must also enforce lower thresholds for more physical roles. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, we believe 'reasonable comfort' is not clear enough, and enforceable limits are needed to protect everyone."

Should this petition reach 10,000 signatures, the Government will issue an official response - while achieving 100,000 signatures would see it considered for a Parliamentary debate, thereby placing public pressure on authorities to implement change. Patrick Macken, Solicitor at Richard Nelson LLP, said: "There is no specific office or work temperature threshold that entitles the workforce to stop working or relocate. The Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 may be the only statutory instrument that expressly addresses workplace temperature, but it's arguably underwhelming and ambiguous. The obligation goes no further than maintaining a 'reasonable' temperature.

"Several other instruments come into play, specifically the Employment Rights Act 1996. This provides recourse for employees who are dismissed or subject to a 'detriment' because they left, or proposed to leave the workplace, due to serious and imminent danger."

While that sounds like a high threshold, the danger doesn't need to be life-threatening; it includes exposure to harm, injury, or risk. Even the risk of danger is enough to trigger statutory protection.

Retail trade union Usdaw has urged employers to address challenges posed by soaring temperatures, ensuring worker safety amid the ongoing heatwave. Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary said: "Heat stress is a real health and safety risk that can lead to more accidents and injuries. As the temperature rises, heat exhaustion starts. People begin to suffer loss of concentration, irritability, dizziness, headaches, nausea and fainting. Under current regulations, there is a legal minimum temperature limit for working indoors. However, there is currently no law stating a maximum – only the responsibility to assess the risks and provide temporary, local cooling methods, access to water and rest facilities where necessary."

The GMB has warned that schools must take 'immediate action' to safeguard pupils and staff when the mercury exceeds 30 degrees Celsius. Stacey Booth, GMB National Officer, said: "No pupil or member of staff should be expected to learn or work in unsafe levels of heat.

"Once temperatures exceed 30°C, schools should act quickly, use the cooler parts of the building, reduce physical demands, increase water breaks and make sensible adjustments to uniform and duties."

Unite the union has drawn attention to the 'intolerable situation' facing bus drivers working in sweltering conditions. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Every year bus drivers are left sweltering during heatwaves, risking their own health and that of their passengers. We know that heatwaves are becoming more frequent but this fact seems to take the bus operators by complete surprise every year. Bus firms must stop putting profits before people and act now. This is a problem that is worsening every year and needs urgent attention to keep people safe."

To view and support the petition click here.