The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is considering changes to workplace temperature rules, potentially introducing a legal maximum for the first time. The announcement comes as a petition demanding a maximum working temperature surpasses 20,000 signatures.
Petition Gains Momentum Amid Heatwave
A Change.org petition started by Kerry Cooper from Shrewsbury has gained over 21,000 signatures, with most added in the last 24 hours as the UK experiences a heatwave. The petition, titled 'Pass a law for safe working temperatures', calls for a legal cap on indoor workplace temperatures. Kerry, who has multiple health conditions affecting her heat tolerance, said she can work only half an hour on hot days and that her employer provided only 'a couple of tower fans pushing warm air around the room'.
The petition dwarfs a similar one on the UK Parliament petitions site, which has 6,500 signatures since December. It names the HSE and Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden as decision-makers.
Government and HSE Response
DWP Minister Sir Stephen Timms said: 'The HSE is Great Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. There is a legal duty for employers to fully assess the risks to workers from extreme heat. HSE provides guidance for employers to manage the risk to workers, including from extreme heat. HSE issued a press release on Friday, June 19, to raise awareness of the risks to workers, to help workplaces in the current hot weather. This year, HSE will also be launching a public consultation on proposed changes to the Approved Code of Practice for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, including those relating to workplace temperature.'
Current Rules and International Comparisons
The UK has a legal minimum indoor working temperature of 16°C (or 13°C for strenuous work) but no legal maximum. In contrast, Spain caps indoor working temperatures at 27°C for desk-based work and 25°C for physical work. The push follows calls from Europe's largest trade unions for the right to stop work when temperatures exceed 30°C, and from doctors for a legal maximum to protect NHS staff.
Workers Share Experiences
Supporters have left comments describing unsafe conditions. James said: 'In my factory, I'm running a machine set at 195C, handballing 25kg, walking 20k steps a day, no windows, no aircon, no fans, and we don't even have access to clean drinking water.' Ocean added: 'I work in a warehouse, it’s like a literal greenhouse in there. The fans are mostly broke, I’m dizzy and feel sick.' Karen wrote: 'I work in a care home... it’s a very busy environment for all carers but even worse for the residents.' Chris said: 'I work for British Gas out in the field. Even with the red weather warning, it was business as usual... Today we had a team meeting, and I was sent home because I was wearing shorts.' Samantha added: 'I work in a factory... it's 33.2° in here. Definitely not comfortable or safe.'
