When is it too hot to work? Find out your employee rights ahead of heatwave
16.06.2022 - 14:47
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As summer begins to kick off, the Met Office has warned the UK will be hit by extremely high temperatures this Friday, with temperatures soaring to 30C in some areas.
In what will be considered the first heatwave of the year, Manchester is expected to see temperatures peak to 27C. While many will be excited to enjoy their time in the sweltering sun, others may find it uncomfortable to work in such conditions.
This is especially true if you are working either outdoors or in an office space with no air conditioning. With this in mind, many workers may be questioning how hot it has to get before it's too hot to work.
Read more: Greater Manchester set for the 'hottest day of the year' as temperatures soar in heatwave
We've broken down the official government guidance for working conditions during hot weather as well as the expert advice currently in place.
According to the UK government agency, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there's no official law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work. But, the guidance does suggest a minimum temperature of 16C or 13C for employees engaging in physical work.
The TUC workers' union has urged employers to allow flexible working and relaxed dress codes for staff, as well as being allowed to take regular breaks to help them keep cool. There isn't an employment law for maximum working temperatures. But it is recommended that during working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be "reasonable".
The TUC wants to make it illegal to keep people at work indoors if the temperature is above 30C and to have protection in place for people working outside or driving for a living too. Although that's not happened yet, there are rules that can let you leave an