With a rare red heat health warning issued by the Met Office for parts of England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures are forecast to reach 39°C in the hottest regions and could potentially breach 40°C. The alert covers a corridor from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, remaining in place from 9am Wednesday until 9pm Thursday.
No Legal Maximum Working Temperature
Despite the extreme heat, there is no legal maximum working temperature in the UK. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states: "There's no law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work, because every workplace is different." However, employers are required under the Health and Safety at Work Act to maintain a "comfortable level" and provide clean, fresh air.
Can You Refuse to Work?
Simply refusing to work when you are physically well could be treated as a breach of your employment contract. However, if you become unwell due to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or a flare-up of a long-term condition, you should inform your employer, who must make reasonable adjustments. The Climate Change Committee has repeatedly called for a formal maximum working temperature to protect workers.
What If Your Child's School Closes?
Many schools are closing because their buildings cannot be cooled adequately. For example, The Buckingham School in Buckinghamshire announced it will close on Wednesday and Thursday, moving to remote learning. If a sudden closure leaves you stranded, you are legally entitled to Time Off For Dependants, which allows reasonable unpaid time off to deal with the emergency. Alternatively, you can request Unpaid Parental Leave, up to 18 weeks per child (capped at 4 weeks per year per child).
Can You Keep Your Child at Home?
If a school remains open, the Department for Education expects pupils to attend. Choosing to keep them home could result in an unauthorised absence, though leniency may be applied this week. If your child attends, ensure they wear loose clothing, bring a sunhat and water bottle, apply suncream, and restrict outdoor play between 11am and 3pm.
Should You Commute?
Major transport networks anticipate severe disruption. Rail operators warn that tracks can exceed 50°C, causing steel to expand and buckle. Transport for London (TfL) is introducing temporary speed restrictions, leading to delays and cancellations. Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: "Customers should be aware that... we are likely to see some disruption to rail and Tube services." The AA advises checking coolant levels and tyre pressures before essential journeys.
