British tourists in Greece may face disruption as local authorities impose a mandatory work ban during a heatwave. The Labour and Social Security Ministry banned outdoor work between 1pm and 5pm last week, applying to manual labourers, food delivery workers, couriers, and shipyard employees in several regions.
Regions and measures
The measure took effect on July 22 in central Greece, Thessaly, the Peloponnese, and the Attica region, including Athens. Officials also urged employers to offer remote work options as temperatures soared into the low 40s Celsius.
Alongside manual labour and food delivery workers, couriers and shipyard employees were ordered to stop work between 1pm and 5pm to avoid heat-related illness.
Wildfires and heatwave
While last Wednesday ended a four-day period of excessive heat, temperatures are expected to rise again, with highs of almost 40C forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. Soaring temperatures in southwestern Europe have forced thousands to flee wildfires in France and Spain, with Greece among countries providing or expected to deploy water to help tackle the blazes.
The latest wildfires have displaced more than 250,000 people, including some 70,000 evacuated in central Spain. Forests and scrublands have been turned into tinderboxes by successive heatwaves that hit the continent unusually early and hard, delivering record-shattering high temperatures. Greece was put on the highest alert level for wildfire danger as temperatures reached around 42C.
UK Foreign Office advice
The UK Foreign Office updated its advice for travelling to Greece this month, warning of an increased wildfire risk. "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October," it said. "Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location. To avoid starting wildfires, leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires, make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished and do not light barbecues."
