Green MP Hannah Spencer is introducing a bill in parliament that would pave the way for a maximum workplace temperature in the UK, as the country faces increasingly frequent heatwaves. If passed, the legislation will create an independent body to recommend maximum safe workplace temperatures and set out implementation guidelines.
Current Guidance Lacks Maximum Temperature Limits
Campaigners and unions have criticised the UK for having health and safety guidance on minimum workplace temperatures but nothing for maximums, despite rising summer heat from the climate crisis. Unison and the Trade Union Congress have called for a maximum indoor work temperature of 30C, or 27C for strenuous work.
Spencer, a former plumber elected as MP for Gorton and Denton in February, highlighted the unfair conditions tradespeople face. She said: "From bus and train drivers sweltering in cabins hotter than outside, bakers working in over 40 degrees, to builders with no respite from the heat, the government has a duty to protect us."
Cross-Party Support for the Bill
The bill is expected to receive cross-party support, backed by Labour MPs Rebecca Long-Bailey, Alex Sobel, and Nadia Whittome, the SNP's Graham Leadbitter, Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts, and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn. Spencer urged the government to look at countries like Spain, where maximum temperatures vary by work type and workers can adjust hours during heatwaves.
Government and HSE Stance
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has argued that maximum workplace temperatures cannot be imposed because heat can stem from workplace activity, like ovens in a bakery. Currently, there is no legal minimum temperature, but the HSE's code of practice recommends 16C (61F), or 13C for strenuous work.
In May, the Climate Change Committee recommended setting maximum work temperature regulations to address risks from high temperatures. The government has not responded, but announced that the HSE would launch a public consultation this year on updating guidance, potentially including temperature thresholds.
Record-Breaking Heatwaves
Temperatures have exceeded 34C nine times this year, breaking the previous record of seven days set in 1976 and 2020. There have been six separate days of 35C or higher for the first time. These record-breaking heatwaves would have been impossible without fossil fuel burning driving the climate crisis. The scorching conditions in England and Wales are forecast to last until at least Wednesday.
