London mayor Sadiq Khan has endorsed calls for a legally enforceable maximum workplace temperature in the UK, as repeated heatwaves continue to disrupt daily life and pose serious health risks. The move comes amid growing pressure on the government to update health and safety regulations to address the impacts of extreme heat driven by the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis.
Heatwave Impact and Fatalities
The June heatwave alone killed an estimated 440 people per day in the UK during its three-day peak, according to official data. Temperatures in some workplaces have exceeded 40C, forcing thousands of schools to close and straining hospital and transport systems. London has been one of the worst-affected regions this summer.
Current Regulations and Union Demands
The UK currently has health and safety guidance on minimum workplace temperatures but no maximum limits. Trade unions, including Unison and the Trades Union Congress, have long campaigned for a cap of 30C, or 27C for strenuous work. In May, the Climate Change Committee, which advises the government, recommended setting maximum temperature regulations to protect workers and incentivise cooling measures.
Political Support and Proposed Legislation
Green party MP Hannah Spencer announced plans to introduce a bill in parliament to establish a workplace heat limit. Khan's spokesperson stated that while the mayor lacks the power to enforce such rules, he supports the idea as extreme heat is 'becoming a growing reality' for Londoners. Khan has also launched an initiative to help the city adapt to more frequent and severe heatwaves.
Impact on Schools and NHS
Teachers have described desperate measures to keep children safe, such as covering younger pupils with wet paper towels and providing trays of water for older students to cool their feet. Doctors have reported that extreme heat is causing NHS equipment failures, including radiotherapy machines, MRI scanners, and cooling units, disrupting patient care.
Social Justice and Funding Concerns
Zoë Garbett, the Green party mayor of Hackney, stated that supporting workers and families hit by extreme heat is a matter of social justice and climate adaptation. She noted that headteachers often face a no-win choice between staying open in dangerous heat or closing, knowing many children lack better alternatives at home. 'Urgent investment from the government in more resilient schools and public buildings isn't just an issue of the climate crisis, it's a matter of basic social justice,' she said. 'Councils are ready to tackle the crisis, but we need the powers and proper funding to take action.'
Government Response
A government spokesperson said there are 'no plans to introduce a mandatory maximum workplace temperature,' citing existing guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for employers to plan for extreme heat. However, the HSE will launch a public consultation on workplace health and safety this year, which will consider temperature thresholds among other issues.
